What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in your urethra, bladder, kidneys, or ureters; however, the infections most often occur in the urethra or bladder.
Due to a shorter urethra, women are more likely to get UTIs than men. Menopause also increases your risk of developing UTIs because of the decrease in estrogen levels, which changes the vaginal tract's environment.
A kidney stone, catheter use, and suppressed immune system also increase your risk of developing a UTI.
While these infections are common, it’s important to get treatment right away to prevent the infection from spreading and causing additional medical issues like a kidney infection or sepsis.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Strong urgency to urinate
- Cloudy urine or strong odor
- Urine that is pink or red
- Frequent urination
In women, pelvic pain sometimes accompanies a UTI.
What are the treatments for a UTI?
After determining the cause, the team at Pelvic Health Specialists prescribes antibiotics to kill the bacteria. You may notice an improvement in symptoms soon after starting treatment. It’s important to take the medication as prescribed to prevent a recurrence of your UTI.
The team also recommends drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
What if my UTI comes back?
Pelvic Health Specialists specializes in treating recurrent UTIs. If you tend to get UTIs frequently, the team may recommend other forms of treatment to help clear up your infection and prevent it from returning, such as:
- Long-term, low-dose antibiotics
- Use of antibiotics after sexual intercourse if your UTIs are related to sexual activity
- Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women
They also work with you to develop a strategy featuring preventive measures that help you manage your UTIs at home.
How can I prevent UTIs?
Steps you can take to prevent UTIs include:
- Urinating after intercourse
- Wiping from front to back to push bacteria away from the urethra
- Avoiding diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide treated condoms, as a form of birth control
Don’t suffer through your UTI. Contact Pelvic Health Specialists for quick and effective treatment by calling the office or using the online booking tool.
