Infections can occur nearly anywhere in the urinary tract or male reproductive system. Bacteria cause most urologic infections. Inflammation is your body’s response to infections or other harmful agents.

The main types of urologic infections and inflammation include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Infection in any part of your urinary tract
• Cystitis: Infection of the bladder (the most common type of UTI)
• Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic inflammation of the bladder walls that can cause scarring and severe pain
• Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection
• Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of each testicle that carries sperm
• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, the gland behind your penis that produces semen

Bacteria are the most common cause of urologic infections.

The routine flow of urine through your urethra usually keeps bacteria from entering your urinary tract. But sometimes, the infection moves up your urethra to your bladder and even to your kidneys. In men, bacteria can also travel from the urethra to the epididymis and prostate.

Inflammation is usually a result of an infection. Other causes of inflammation include injury or trauma to your urethra, prostate or epididymis.

Risk factors vary between the different types of urologic conditions. Some common risk factors include:

Diagnosis typically involves a review of your symptoms, medical history and risk factors. Your provider will also perform a physical exam and order one or more tests.

Your physical exam may include a pelvic exam if you are a woman. If you are a man, your provider may check your penis and scrotum and perform a digital rectal exam to feel your prostate.

Tests your provider may order include:

• Urinalysis: This test looks for bacteria, red blood cells and infection-fighting white blood cells in your urine.
• Urine culture: This test identifies the type of bacteria causing the infection. Knowing the type helps your provider determine the best antibiotic to use. Results usually take about 2 days.
• Blood tests: A blood culture looks for bacteria in your blood or other problems related to your UTI.
• Semen analysis: You collect semen in a special container. A laboratory analyzes the semen for blood or other signs of infection.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and CT scans can help your provider diagnose a problem or rule out other conditions.
• Urodynamic testing: This group of tests measures the flow of urine into and out of your bladder.
• Cystoscopy: In this test, your provider uses a thin tube with a camera to look inside your bladder.

Treating minor UTIs and STIs is typically straightforward. Your primary care provider may prescribe you medication or recommend at-home treatments.

Our urologists offer specialized care for urologic infections and inflammatory conditions that are complicated, severe or don’t go away. You may also see a urologist if you have underlying health conditions or urologic abnormalities.

UC Davis Health urologists follow you closely to make sure treatment is effective. For chronic conditions, we work with you to ease pain and other symptoms. Our goal is to help you live a full, active life.

You cannot prevent all urologic infections and inflammatory conditions. But drinking more fluid can help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract and lower your risk of infection.

Women should also:

• Select a birth control method other than a diaphragm with spermicide
• Urinate after sex
• Wipe from front to back

Condom use and routine STI testing are also important if you have multiple sex partners.