What are urinary tract infection symptoms?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system. A UTI can involve the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. They are the second most common infection in the body, and women are more likely than men to get a UTI.
Some signs that you may have a UTI include:
- An urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Cloudy or red urine
- Involuntarily leaking small amounts of urine
- Lower back or side pain
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Urine that smells bad
When a UTI involves the kidneys, you may also experience fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Any of these symptoms are signs you need to see Dr. Gelbert.
Am I at risk for a urinary tract infection?
Women are more susceptible than men to UTIs, and they have their distinct risk factors including:
- Female anatomy: women have shorter urethras than men and less distance for bacteria to reach the bladder
- Birth control: spermicidal agents and diaphragms cause a higher risk of UTI
- Menopause: declining estrogen causes vaginal changes, making women more prone to infection
UTI risk factors in both men and women include a suppressed immune system, use of a catheter, and urinary tract blockages.
How are urinary tract infections treated?
Dr. Gelbert diagnoses a UTI with a simple urine test. In some cases, she orders a urine culture to learn more about the bacteria causing your infection or imaging tests to detect any structural issues causing recurrent infections.
Antibiotics are the first and most effective line of treatment for UTIs.
However, when it comes to UTIs, prevention goes a long way. Make a habit of drinking plenty of water every day. Women should consider changing their birth control and avoiding irritating feminine sprays and powders.
It’s incredibly important to get your symptoms checked out because untreated UTIs have serious health consequences:
- Pregnant women can deliver premature or low birth weight babies.
- Acute or chronic kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage
Urinary tract infections are highly-treatable, so don’t live with symptoms another week. Call or click to schedule your appointment with Dr. Gelbert today.
