The Lived Experiences of Those with Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections are prevalent in our society and result in much discomfort including dysuria, fever, chills, and kidney infections. Because of these infections, thousands of people require hospitalization every year. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of living with UTIs. Three female individuals were interviewed to discuss their experience of having UTIs. The lived experience of UTI’s was described with the following themes: feeling embarrassed, pain and anxiety, “going all the time,” and managing UTIs. Through this information nurses can gain insight into the lived experience of UTI and increase their understanding and empathy.