How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection from self-cathing?

As an intermittent catheter user, you may be prone to developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point.

Being able to identify the symptoms of a UTI is just as important as knowing how to prevent them when self-cathing. An infection can happen in different parts of your urinary tract. There are 3 different types of UTIs, based on where the infection is located.

1. Cystitis: an infection in the bladder. This may cause you to empty your bladder more often and it may hurt to urinate. With this infection, urine may be cloudy, foul-smelling and may contain blood. The bladder is also inflamed so you may experience pressure in your abdomen.
2. Urethritis: an infection in your urethra. This can cause discharge and burning when you empty your bladder.
3. Pyelonephritis: an infection in your kidneys. When an infection moves up to your kidneys from your lower tract, this can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or upper back or side pain.

Be sure to visit our Infection Assistance Center to learn more about the following:

• UTI Symptoms and Common Causes
• UTI Risk Factors
• UTI Prevention Tips