A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is uncomfortable to deal with, as well as to talk about. The majority of UTIs occur in women, and, although they can occur in men, they are uncommon in a male who has normal urinary tract anatomy. A UTI can occur in any part of your urinary tract, which is made up of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Causes of UTIs can vary depending on age, habits and health. Symptoms differ depending on the location and severity of the infection, making it important for you to know the facts about UTIs.
Causes
UTIs occur for many different reasons, some of which are preventable. For example, women should always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. Women have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder and kidneys. Genetics can also play a role in UTIs, as some women are more prone to them due to the shape of their urinary tracts. Some other risk factors for women include new sexual partners, certain birth control medications, menopause and spermicidal agents.
Symptoms
Most UTIs occur in the bladder or urethra and can be a painful inconvenience. However, sometimes infections can spread to your kidneys and cause more serious problems. Use this helpful chart to learn the different symptoms associated with a UTI. If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit your local ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care. Our exceptional medical team will be happy to evaluate you and get you feeling better, fast!
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a UTI, patients produce a urine sample which will be tested to determine if there is an infection. If the testing suggests you have an infection you may be treated with a course of antibiotics. You also may be prescribed other medications to alleviate your symptoms. If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, your urine will likely be cultured to determine which bacteria has caused your infection. Although you may feel better after only a few doses of antibiotics, be sure to take all of your prescribed medicine.
If you think you’re suffering from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), please visit your nearest ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care. We are here to get you feeling better, faster seven days a week, no appointment necessary – just walk in!