UTI Specialist

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that develops in your urinary system. Most UTIs occur in your urethra or bladder, but without treatment, the condition may expand into your ureters (the tubes leading to your kidneys) or the kidneys. 

Women are much more likely to develop UTIs than men because the female urethra is far shorter. This makes women more susceptible to bacteria transfer while wiping after urinating and during sexual intercourse. 

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs don't necessarily cause symptoms in the early stages. But, eventually, the symptoms can grow quite uncomfortable. Common issues include:

• Frequent strong urge to urinate
• Urinating smaller amounts than usual
• Increased urinary frequency
• Burning when you urinate
• Cloudy looking urine
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in your urine)
• Smelly urine
• Pelvic pain

With severe UTIs, like those that reach your kidneys, you may also have a fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. 

Seek treatment as soon as you experience symptoms. The bacteria can continue spreading if untreated. Eventually, untreated UTIs could potentially cause lifelong kidney damage or urosepsis (urinary sepsis), in which the widespread UTI reaches your bloodstream, or septic shock, which is potentially fatal.

How do you diagnose a UTI?

The Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, team doctor performs urine testing to diagnose a UTI. You may also need a more extensive urine culture test to find the specific bacteria strain causing your urinary tract infection. 

If you have recurrent UTIs, the team may perform imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to check for abnormalities in the upper part of your urinary tract. Or, you might need a minimally invasive procedure called cystoscopy to examine the inside of your urinary tract up-close.

What is the treatment for a UTI?

The Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, team may prescribe antibiotics for a short period. Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria, which usually clears your infection and symptoms.

If you have frequent UTIs, the team may prescribe low-dose antibiotics for a more extended period. These may include a daily antibiotic for 6-12 months. Or, if your UTIs usually occur after sex, the team may prescribe doses of antibiotics to take immediately after intercourse. 

The team may recommend practices such as wiping front-to-back, increasing your daily water intake, and urinating immediately after sex as well.  

Don’t let your UTI cause lifelong damage. Call Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, or schedule a consultation online today.