What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A UTI is a bacterial infection in any part of your urinary system. The urinary system consists of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Anyone can experience a UTI, but they’re especially common in women. While there’s no way to prevent UTIs entirely, you can take steps to lower your risk significantly.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTIs don’t always present symptoms in the early stages. As the infection progresses, telltale signs include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Foul-smelling urine
- Urine that appears dark or red
Many women with UTIs also experience pelvic pain, especially near the center of the pelvis, around the pubic bone.
Who is at risk of developing a UTI?
UTIs affect people of all ages and genders, but several factors may increase your risk. These factors include:
- Having female anatomy
- Being sexually active
- Taking certain types of birth control
- Going through menopause
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- A suppressed immune system
You’re also more likely to experience a UTI if you recently underwent a urinary procedure such as bladder surgery.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
To diagnose a UTI, New Med Immediate Care reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. Your provider also orders a urinalysis. After collecting your sample, a laboratory analyzes your urine for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.
If your provider detects bacteria in your urine, they might also order a urine culture. This test determines the type of bacteria causing your infection. It also helps your provider make treatment recommendations.
How is UTI treated?
Treatment of a UTI usually involves taking a round of prescription antibiotics. The type of medicines your provider prescribes depends on the type of bacteria causing your infection and its severity.
Some of the drugs commonly used to treat UTIs include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, and fosfomycin.
At NewMed Immediate Care, patient education is another vital part of all medical services. Your provider can make recommendations and provide advice that will significantly lower your risk of experiencing a UTI in the future.
If you suspect you have a UTI, schedule an appointment at NewMed Immediate Care. Call the office to speak with a staff member or book a consultation online today.
