Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections

Excerpt

An uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder and associated structures. This condition occurs in patients without structural abnormalities of the urinary tract or comorbidities such as diabetes, an immunocompromised state, recent urologic surgery, or pregnancy. An uncomplicated UTI is also referred to as cystitis or a lower tract UTI.

Bacteriuria or pyuria without symptoms does not constitute a UTI. Typical UTI symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic discomfort, and dysuria. While UTIs are very common in women, they are rare in circumcised males. When UTIs occur in circumcised males, they are generally considered complicated UTIs. Please see StatPearls' companion resource, "Complicated Urinary Tract Infections," for more information.

Many uncomplicated UTIs resolve spontaneously without treatment, but patients often seek therapy for symptom relief. Treatment aims to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or progressing to an upper tract disorder such as pyelonephritis, which can damage delicate nephron structures and eventually lead to complications such as hypertension.

UTI diagnosis is based on clinical history and urinalysis, with confirmation through a urine culture. Proper urine sample collection is crucial for accurate evaluation and culture. Complicated and recurrent UTIs are discussed in separate articles. Please see StatPearls' companion resources, "Complicated Urinary Tract Infections" and "Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections," for more information.