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About fifty percent of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at one point in their life. These urinary bacterial infections that get into your bladder affect the urethra and the most severe conditions will affect your kidneys. Fortunately, if you have this infection, you can relax knowing that UTIs are among the most common infections that are easily treatable. The team at Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, offers effective treatment of UTI in Midwood, which includes a round of antibiotics to leave you feeling better. For more information on their services, call or schedule an appointment online today.
What is UTI?
This refers to a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, normally the urethra and the bladder. The urinary tract has been designed to prevent invasion from harmful bacteria, but they sometimes sneak in, leading to an infection. Poor bladder emptying, sexual intercourse, exposure to fecal matter, and diaphragm use enable the bacteria to spread through the urinary tract causing an infection. Usually, UTIs do not heal independently; hence, you need to see a doctor for testing and antibiotic treatment. When done timely, the treatment is simple and effective. However, UTIs can spread when left untreated and cause severe complications such as kidney infection, sepsis, or permanent kidney failure.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of UTI’s?
Urogynecologists recommend that you see your doctor when you start experiencing bladder or UTI symptoms. You are also advised to seek expert attention when you get frequent infections. UTI symptoms include:
- Inability to empty your bladder
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Painful urination or a burning sensation when passing urine
- Sudden, frequent, and intense urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine
If the UTI multiplies and spreads to the kidneys, you can experience signs such as; lower back pain, vomiting, nausea, and fever.
How Is A UTI Diagnosed?
When you go to the health care provider with UTI symptoms, they will first request a simple urine test. They will take your urine sample and send it to the lab, where it will be examined for blood cells and bacteria. In normal conditions, the urine does not consist of high levels of blood cells or harmful bacteria; hence the presence of bacteria and blood shows infection. In some cases, the doctor may ask you to undertake a CT scan or an MRI for a precise UTI diagnosis. They might do a cystoscopy to view the inside of your urethra and bladder using a long thin tube.
What Are The Available UTI Treatment Options?
When you go to your doctor with a UTI, the team at Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, will suggest some antibiotics and advise you on the whole course even when your symptoms have cleared up to help destroy the bacteria. For a severe UTI, you may receive IV antibiotics or use vaginal estrogen therapy if you are in post-menopause and experience recurrent UTIs. By taking all the medications as prescribed and finishing the antibiotic doses, the infection should clear in several days.
In conclusion, free yourself from severe health complications caused by a UTI. To avoid further complications as soon as you suspect you have a UTI, book an appointment with professionals at Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, for evaluation and treatment or call for more information.
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