Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Specialist

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of your urinary tract, from your urethra to your kidneys. While women are more likely than men to get a UTI, anyone can contract a UTI.

Some of the common symptoms of UTIs include:

• Painful, burning sensations when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently, but not releasing much liquid
• Cloudy, pink, or bloody urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic or lower back pain

If you’ve had a UTI before, you may be tempted to drink more water and wait it out. However, when left untreated, the infection can travel up your urinary tract, causing more severe symptoms and become more difficult to treat.

What causes UTIs?

UTIs develop when bacteria enter your urethra and multiply. The reason women are more likely to develop UTIs than men is due to their anatomy. A woman’s urethral opening is much closer to her anus than a man’s, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra. Some UTIs develop when a bacterial or viral STD enters the urethra.

Your risk of developing a UTI increases if you’re sexually active or if you use a diaphragm or spermicide cream for birth control. Menopause also increases your risk of a UIT as the changes in your estrogen levels can weaken your pelvic tissue, making it more vulnerable to infection

How are UTIs treated?

If you think you have a UTI, Dr. Ugwu talks to you about your symptoms and performs a urinalysis to check for signs of a bacterial infection. If you have a UTI, he prescribes medicine to help your body fight off the bacteria.

You should also drink plenty of water to help flush out your urinary tract and avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or citric acid, which could irritate your urinary tract. If you have lower back or pelvic pain, a warm heating pad can help relieve your discomfort.

Can I prevent UTIs?

You can reduce your risk of UTIs by making sure to drink at least eight cups of water a day and always wiping from front to back after using the bathroom. You should avoid waiting to urinate and make sure to urinate after sexual intercourse.

If you’re concerned about a UTI, call VNC RealHealth or make an appointment online today.