What causes a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria from outside your body get into your urinary tract. In women, the bacteria can easily spread from the anus to the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
Most UTIs occur in the urethra and the bladder, but untreated infections may travel to your kidneys. UTIs are called different names, depending on their location in your body:
- Cystitis: bladder infection
- Urethritis: urethral infection
- Pyelonephritis: kidney infection
Although all women of every age are susceptible to UTIs, your risk increases after menopause. When estrogen levels drop, tissues in your urinary tract are affected, making you more vulnerable to infection.
What symptoms will I have with a urinary tract infection?
Mild UTIs can clear up without causing symptoms. Persistent infections lead to symptoms such as:
- Strong urge to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Burning during urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Red or pink urine
- Pelvic pain
- Accidental urine leakage (temporary incontinence)
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you’ll experience other symptoms, such as a fever, nausea, and pain in your upper back or side.
What is the treatment for urinary tract infections?
When Dr. Mills suspects you have a UTI, she runs a urinalysis or urine culture to verify you have an infection. Most UTIs are treated with prescription antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. The doctor may recommend additional measures for women with frequent or recurring UTIs.
Women who have two or more UTIs in six months, or three in a year, are considered to have recurrent cystitis. Dr. Mills may perform diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound to rule out physical problems that could contribute to the problem.
The doctor also recommends taking steps to help prevent recurring cystitis. For example, it often helps to drink more water. Getting plenty of water dilutes your urine and ensures you’ll urinate frequently enough to flush your urethra before an infection takes hold.
If you tend to get a UTI following sexual intercourse, the doctor may prescribe a single-dose antibiotic to take after having sex to prevent infection.
Don’t continue to suffer from symptoms like difficulty urinating, call Mills Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online to get the treatment you need.
