Urinary Tract Infection (Cystitis)

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

It is an infection in your urethra (the tube where pee comes out). Other names include bladder infection and cystitis. Cystitis is seen more in females because their urethra is shorter than a male's urethra. This lets germs in more easily.

Home Treatment:

As soon as it hurts to pee you should follow the suggestions below:

• Drink lots and lots of water (liters) for at least 24 hours after the discomfort starts. This helps to flush out the bacteria (germs).
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine (coffee, tea, and cola).
• A warm bath may help lessen the pain and itching, but do not use bubble bath.
• Check your temperature to see if you have a fever because this could mean that you could have a more serious infection.
• Check for sores on your genital area (privates).
• Try not to have sexual intercourse until you feel better.
• If vaginal burning and redness or belly pain happen in a young girl you should discuss it with your doctor.
• After you go to the bathroom, you should wipe yourself from front to back. This helps to keep the germs from getting into your urethra.
• Try not to use perfumed feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons). Do not douche. Do not use bubble bath very often.
• Wash your genital area (privates) at least 1 time a day with mild soap or just plain water. Rinse the soap off well and dry yourself well.
• If you get urinary infections quite often then you should drink extra water before you have sexual intercourse and try to pee very soon after having sex.
• Wear loose fitting pants and cotton underwear.
• Pee as soon as you feel like you have to go.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your doctor very soon IF:

• You do not feel any better in 24 hours after trying the home treatments.
• It hurts to pee and you have any of these symptoms:
• Fever over 38.3C (101F) with chills
• Cannot pee, but you feel like you have to
• Back pain just under your ribs
• Blood or pus in your pee
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Nausea or vomiting

* It is important to be seen by a doctor if your symptoms do not get any better or get worse because the infection can spread and cause a more serious infection, like in your kidneys.