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If you’re on a routine catheterization program, bacteria will be present in your urine.
Sometimes, the level of bacteria in your urine will be high, but you’ll experience no physical symptoms. Sometimes, the level will be high enough to cause physical symptoms—which means you have a symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI).
Why is it important to know the difference between bacterial colonization and a symptomatic UTI?
It’s important to know the difference between the two so you’re not overtreated with antibiotics.
Overtreating with antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. Even if bacterial counts are elevated in your urine, if you’re not experiencing physical symptoms, it’s not considered a symptomatic UTI, so your provider should not prescribe antibiotic treatment. If you are experiencing physical symptoms due to high bacteria levels in your urine, then you do have a symptomatic UTI, so antibiotics might be appropriate.
The chart below shows the differences between high bacterial colonization in your urine and a symptomatic UTI.
| High Bacterial Colonization | Symptomatic UTI | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Bacterial colonization in urine is high when the level of bacterial counts is elevated— meaning the number of colonies of a single organism is higher than 100,000 per mL. | If the bacteria level in your urine is high and it’s causing physical symptoms, you have a symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). |
| Signs and symptoms | Signs might include: Cloudy urine Increased odor of urine Change in color, such as when the urine becomes more concentrated and dark | Symptoms might include: Fever Chills Frequent, urgent and/or painful urination Abdominal cramping Increased leakage Increased odor Increased incontinence |
| What should I do? | If you notice any of the above signs, increase your fluid intake for 1 to 2 days to dilute the bacteria level. Bladder irrigations 1-2x a day may be beneficial. | If you notice physical symptoms of a UTI, go to your primary care provider for a urinalysis and urine culture. The culture will determine what antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to, which will determine the best treatment for your UTI. *If you experience 3 or more symptomatic UTIs in a 12 month period, contact your urology team. |
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.
