What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract and begin to multiply. As the infection progresses, it may affect your kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. Anyone can develop a urinary tract infection, but they’re especially common in women. Most of the time, they’re a mild annoyance that responds well to conservative measures of care. However, without treatment, an infection may lead to more serious complications, including kidney damage or the need for hospitalization.
If I have a urinary tract infection, will I know it?
In their early stages, urinary tract infections don’t always present obvious symptoms. As the bacteria levels increase, you might experience:
- A persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine R
- ed or pink urine
If you’re a woman, you might also experience pain near the center of your pelvis and/or pubic bone.
Who is at risk of experiencing a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections affect people of all races and ages, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being a woman
- Having a new sexual partner
- Using diaphragms or spermicidal creams
- Being menopausal
- Having urinary tract abnormalities
You’re also more likely to experience a urinary tract infection if you have a suppressed immune system, or you’ve recently undergone a urinary surgery.
What is the process for diagnosing a urinary tract infection?
To diagnose a urinary tract infection, Dr. Yager conducts a physical exam and asks you about your symptoms. He also orders a urinalysis to evaluate your urine for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. If these measures don’t provide adequate insights, he might also recommend a CT scan or MRI to get a closer look at your urinary tract and surrounding organs.
What is the process for treating a urinary tract infection?
Dr. Yager usually recommends prescription antibiotics to ease uncomfortable symptoms caused by urinary tract infections. Depending on the type and severity of your infection, Dr. Yager might recommend:
- Trimethoprim
- Nitrofurantoin
- Cephalexin
- Fosfomycin
If you’re experiencing pain, he might also prescribe a pain medication to numb your urethra and bladder.
If you experience frequent UTIs, more powerful treatments may be necessary. For example, Dr. Yager might recommend vaginal estrogen therapy or antibiotics administered intravenously.
To learn more about the treatment options for urinary tract infections, call the office, book an appointment online, or walk in during normal business hours.
