According to medical statistics, many men and women suffer from urinary tract infections. The common symptoms of urinary tract infections include a burning pain when urinating or an urgent, sudden need to go to the bathroom. If you have such symptoms, Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care, a White Plains, NY family medicine, offers expert primary care for all urinary tract infections, including mild and severe cases. Call or book an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and seek more information.
What Exactly Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition that develops when a bacterium infects your urinary system, including the bladder or urethra. This is a common issue experienced regularly in primary care settings. The infection’s bacteria get in your body via the urethra and go up to the bladder and, in severe cases, up to your kidneys. If the infection goes up to the kidneys, it can result in severe pain and make you sick. The good news is that urinary tract infections don’t reach this phase, but they might still cause you pain and inconvenience.
How Are the Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infection?
Personal and household hygiene is essential in preventing a urinary tract infection. However, it does not mean you have poor hygiene if you get an infection. A UTI happens when bacteria get into your urethra. This can be caused by poor personal hygiene or engaging in sex. If your partner has a urinary tract infection, the bacteria from their fingers, genitals, or mouth can get into your urethra.
According to statistics, women are more predisposed to UTIs than men as it’s easier for the bacteria to enter the female urethra. Older people and those with obesity or diabetes are more likely to get a urinary tract infection. If urine flow is being blocked by something such as kidney stones can also boost your risk of infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?
A common symptom of UTI is an urgent need to go to the washroom, which often leads to urge incontinence, where you pass urine before getting to the bathroom. Other common UTI symptoms include;
- Cloudy urine
- Frequent urination
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Sharp pain when urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Foul-smelling or strong urine
- Tender sides or back
- Lower abdomen in your soreness
What Are the Available Urinary Tract Infection Treatments?
When you visit a provider with symptoms of UTI, the doctor starts by performing an in-office urinalysis test to diagnose the condition. Because the infections are bacterial, doctors often recommend antibiotics as the most effective treatments. Remember that you should always take the total dosage even if the symptoms improve to ensure the infection is eliminated. If the infection has got into your kidneys, you may require hospital treatment, including intravenous medication, based on the severity of the infection.
If UTIs are causing you uncomfortable symptoms, you should consider getting the proper treatment to prevent the condition from becoming severe. Call the family medicine providers at Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care or book an online appointment for the best treatment.