Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

What is a urinary tract infection?

Your urinary system is composed of your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. When bacteria enter this system, it can multiply rapidly, creating a painful infection called a urinary tract infection, or UTI. 

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Intense, frequent urge to urinate
• Pain in your lower abdomen or back
• Fever or chills
• Urine that is dark, cloudy, or has an unusual odor
• Fatigue or feeling weak and shaky

There are several different types of urinary tract infections, categorized by which part of your urinary system is affected. 

What causes urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria from your large intestine exit your anus and are transferred to your urethra. Women have a higher risk of UTI than men simply because there is less distance between their anus and urethra. 

Bacteria can be transferred if you wipe from back to front after using the restroom. It can also occur when bacteria are displaced during sex. Both men and women who have health conditions like kidney stones, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury are at a higher risk for UTI. 

You can reduce your risk of urinary tract infection by embracing good hygiene habits. Women should always wipe from front to back and should avoid using products like feminine hygiene powders and sprays, as well as douches. 

It’s also important for both women and men to cleanse their genital area after sex. Urinating afterward is also a good way to flush any bacteria out of the urethra before it has a chance to multiply. Drinking plenty of water is also a good preventive measure, as it encourages frequent urination. 

How are urinary tract infections treated?

The primary treatment for urinary tract infections is a simple course of antibiotics. It takes a few days for symptoms to clear up, but your dosing instructions may have you continue your medication for a full week. It’s important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed to prevent re-infection. 

If you suffer frequent urinary tract infections, you may need a different treatment approach. Low-dose antibiotics can help, and you may need to take them for six months or longer. Vaginal estrogen therapy can be a good option for women who suffer frequent UTIs. 

Don’t live with the discomfort and disruption of a urinary tract infection when relief is readily available. Call Integrative Urgent Care to schedule a visit, or try the easy online booking tool. Walk-ins are also available as needed.