Urinary tract infection (UTI) affects your urinary system. It develops when bacteria enter your urethra. Richmond UTI may involve your urethra, kidneys, or bladder. If your UTI affects your kidneys, it requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening issues. Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women. About eight to ten million people get UTI treatment each year. E.coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections. It typically exists in your large intestine and causes more than ninety percent of bladder infections. UTIs are treatable.
What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections?
A urinary tract infection causes inflammation of the urinary tract lining, so you may experience pain in your back, pelvic region, or lower back, frequent urination, and urinary incontinence. You may also have blood in your urine, cloudy, foul-smelling pee, pressure in your lower pelvis region, urge incontinence, and feel pain when you pee. Other symptoms may include pain in your penis, fatigue, fever, chills, mental changes, nausea, and vomiting.
What is the diagnosis of urinary tract infection?
Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI through symptoms and medical history. The provider may order tests to confirm the diagnosis. Common UTI tests include:
Urinalysis: This test involves taking your urine sample and sending it to the lab to examine for UTI using multiple variables like nitrites, leukocytes esterase, and white blood cells.
Urine culture: This test involves your provider taking your urine sample, growing it, and identifying any bacteria present. Urine cultures help your doctor develop the best treatment option.
What are treatments for UTI?
Sometimes minor urinary tract infections can get better independently without treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for your UTI based on the bacteria responsible for your infection. Commonly prescribed medications for UTI include sulfonamides, amoxicillin, doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and quinolones. Ensure you take your medications as directed by your provider. Do not stop taking your dosage even if your symptoms improve or disappear. If you do not complete your dose, the infection can recur and be more difficult to treat.
How can you prevent UTI?
There are various lifestyle habits that can help prevent urinary tract infections, including:
Practice good hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is one of the best strategies to prevent UTIs. If you have a vagina, wipe from front to back after pooping to avoid moving bacteria from your rectum to your urethra. Also, ensure you regularly change pads or tampons during your menstrual cycle. Avoid using deodorants on your vagina.
Take a lot of fluids
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. Doctors recommend drinking at least two liters of water daily.
Change your peeing habits
Peeing can help get rid of bacteria in your body. Peeing frequently can help minimize the chances of developing UTI, especially if you often get the infection. Also, ensure you pee before and after sex, as intercourse can introduce bacteria to your urethra.
Urinary tract infection affects your urinary system. It is mainly characterized by frequent urination, pelvic or abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, and pain when peeing. Doctors use antibiotics to treat UTIs. Schedule an appointment at On the Mark Healthcare Services for UTI treatment to alleviate your pelvic pain.
