Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and costly health issue. In the United States alone, UTIs account for more than 8 million doctor visits and $3.5 billion in healthcare costs each year.
Types of UTIs and Their Costs
The cost of a UTI can vary depending on the type of infection and the severity of symptoms.
Uncomplicated UTIs
Uncomplicated UTIs are the most common type of UTI. They occur in the bladder and are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder. Symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs include:
- Burning or pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
The cost of treating an uncomplicated UTI can range from $100 to $500. This includes the cost of doctor visits, lab tests, and antibiotics.
Complicated UTIs
Complicated UTIs are more serious than uncomplicated UTIs. They can occur in the kidneys, ureters, or prostate gland. Symptoms of complicated UTIs include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the back or side
- Difficulty urinating
The cost of treating a complicated UTI can range from $500 to $2,000. This includes the cost of hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and other medical treatments.
Risk Factors for UTIs
There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a UTI. These include:
- Being female
- Having a history of UTIs
- Having diabetes
- Being pregnant
- Using a catheter
- Having a weakened immune system
How to Prevent UTIs
There are a number of things you can do to prevent UTIs. These include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Urinating frequently
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet
- Avoiding douching
- Using condoms during sex
- Getting treated for any underlying health conditions that can increase your risk of UTIs
When to See a Doctor
If you have symptoms of a UTI, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the infection from spreading and becoming more serious.
