6 Things You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections
A mild twinge may soon bloom into a bout of painful, frequent, bloody and unproductive urination known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI is a painful condition caused by bacterial growth anywhere in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra, although it may also be called a bladder infection or kidney infection if it is located there. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we can diagnose and treat a UTI before it becomes too painful.
“Most women and many men will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Fortunately, it is one of the easiest conditions to diagnose and to treat.”
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms can be anywhere from mild to severe. They may or may not include:1
- Pain or burning during urination
- Persistent sensation of needing to urinate without urine present
- Frequent urination of small amounts
- Discolored urine – dark, pink, deep yellow, or brownish
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women
- Burning pain
- Back pain
- Side pain
- Fever, chills
- Nausea, vomiting
Causes of UTI
A UTI is caused by the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract.2 A common cause is bacteria entering from the rectum to the urethra. Sexual activity may also introduce bacteria that can cause a UTI.
Risk Factors for UTI
You are more likely to develop a UTI if you:3
- Are sexually active
- Are a woman after menopause
- Have a condition that blocks the urethra, such as an enlarged prostate
- Have kidney stones
- Are a woman who has used a diaphragm or spermicides for birth control
- Have diabetes
- Have had a UTI in the past
- Have used a catheter
- Are immunocompromised
Prevention of UTI
While a UTI can be hard to prevent, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risks. For babies and children, make sure they are receiving enough water every day. Teach girls the proper way to wipe – from front to back. For adults, make sure you are also drinking enough water each day. Cranberry juice may be beneficial. Urinating after sexual intercourse may help purge the urethra of bacteria. Change from polyester underwear to cotton and wear loose-fitting, breathable pants. Minimize or eliminate sprays, douches, powders or soaps that may irritate.
Diagnosis of UTI
Your physician at Medco ER will have you give a urine sample for testing. In some cases, a cystoscopy, ultrasound or CT scan may be required if you have been experiencing repeated UTIs.
Treatment for UTI
Treating a UTI is almost always successful with a course of antibiotics. Patients need to take the antibiotics according to the prescription to fully eradicate the infection.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
“A urinary tract infection must be treated by a medical professional. At-home remedies never work,” said Dr. Khan. “They may slow the bacterial growth but they won’t fully reverse the infection. It’s not an invasive or difficult treatment, so come to Medco ER right away and get the help you need to get over the UTI.”
If left untreated, a life-threatening condition of widespread infection, called sepsis, may occur. Or, the kidneys may be permanently damaged. If you are experiencing painful urination or have any of the above symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away.
Get help for your UTI at Medco ER & Urgent Care
It doesn’t take long for a UTI to become painful. When you start to notice symptoms of a UTI, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away. We’re open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We will make sure you are seen by a board-certified physician right away. Our in-house rapid results labs can verify diagnosis and you can soon be on your way to feeling like yourself again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447