What is a urinary tract infection?
Your ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys make up your urinary tract. A urinary tract infection usually develops in your bladder and urethra because of bacteria that multiplied in your bladder.
While anyone can develop a UTI, they’re more common in women because of their anatomy. Additional factors that can increase your risk include:
- Sexual activity
- Poor personal hygiene
- Certain methods of birth control
- Being in menopause
- Some medications, like antibiotics
- Conditions like diabetes
Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, but they’re usually harmless. When left untreated though, the infection can spread from your bladder and urethra into your kidneys, leading to more serious problems.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
A UTI doesn’t always have symptoms. However, if they’re present, symptoms usually include:
- Abnormal discharge
- Intense and frequent urges to urinate
- Discomfort, burning, or pain while voiding
- Discolored, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
Many women also have pressure or pain in their pelvis or lower abdomen, especially around the pubic bone.
Can a urinary tract infection be prevented?
There are several approaches to avoiding a UTI, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
- Wiping from the front to the back after a bowel movement
- Urinating after sexual activity
- Avoiding birth control methods that use irritants like spermicide
It’s also essential to stay away from feminine and bath products with perfumes and harsh chemicals that can irritate your urethra.
How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Oza diagnoses urinary tract infections with a urine test. For chronic UTIs, he might suggest additional testing such as a CT scan, MRI, or cystoscope imaging to evaluate your urinary tract for abnormalities.
In most cases, UTIs are easy to treat and resolve after two to three days of antibiotics. If you have additional symptoms, like painful burning during urination, Dr. Oza might also provide pain relievers that work directly on your bladder.
When a UTI is persistent or recurring, Dr. Oza often suggests additional treatments such as long-term, low-dose antibiotics or a single dose of antibiotics to take after engaging in sexual activity. For women suffering from frequent UTIs after menopause, he might also recommend vaginal estrogen therapy.
To diagnose and treat your urinary tract infection, call Oza Family Care and Wellness Center or schedule an appointment online today.
