A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enters your urethra and travels up into your bladder causing painful urination. Even though the urinary system is designed to flush out bacteria, occasionally these defenses fail. The bacteria in the bladder can continue to multiply, causing the infection. When left untreated, the bacteria can travel into the kidneys.
UTIs are classified depending on where they occur. The most common type of UTI occurs in the bladder, which is called cystitis. If it occurs in the urethra, it is called urethritis. If a UTI occurs in the kidneys, it is called pyelonephritis. Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, increased frequency of urination and increased urgency of urination. Treatment typically consists of a course of antibiotics.
Our network of experienced and knowledgeable urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas will provide specialized attention when treating your urinary tract infection and other urological disorders.
Urinary tract infections are more common in women, with many experiencing more than one infection in their lifetime. Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter than a man’s, shortening the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. Sexually active women are also at a higher risk for developing UTIs.
Other factors may increase the chances of developing a UTI including:
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Kidney stones
- Bowel incontinence
- Having a urinary catheter
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are very similar in men and women. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination and test your urine. A urine sample will help determine if white or red blood cells are present in the urine signaling that an infection is present. A urine culture may also be performed to test for bacteria or fungi.
Symptoms commonly associated with a urinary tract infection include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Increased urgency of urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong odor
If you have any symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
Oral antibiotics are the initial treatment option for UTIs. Additional medication can be provided to relieve painful urination and other symptoms you may be experiencing. It is important to complete your entire course of antibiotics.
If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may check for any abnormalities in your urinary tract including:
- An ultrasound of urinary tract organs
- An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) x-ray with dye to highlight urinary tract
- A cystoscopy to test for bladder inflammation
- CT Scan of urinary system
Symptoms commonly associated with a urinary tract infection include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Increased urgency of urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong odor
Factors that may increase the chances of developing a UTI include:
- Women who are sexually active
- Women who use a diaphragm for birth control
- Women who are pregnant
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Menopause
- Kidney stones
- Bowel incontinence
- Having a urinary catheter
Preventative measures can be taken to decrease the risk of UTIs developing. Drinking eight glasses of water daily, not holding urine for long periods of time, and daily supplements or probiotics can help to prevent urinary tract infections. Consult your doctor about the right prevention plan for you.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enters your urethra and travels up into your bladder causing painful urination. Even though the urinary system is designed to flush out bacteria, occasionally these defenses fail. The bacteria in the bladder can continue to multiply, causing the infection. When left untreated, the bacteria can travel into the kidneys.
UTIs are classified depending on where they occur. The most common type of UTI occurs in the bladder, which is called cystitis. If it occurs in the urethra, it is called urethritis. If a UTI occurs in the kidneys, it is called pyelonephritis. Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, increased frequency of urination and increased urgency of urination. Treatment typically consists of a course of antibiotics.
Our network of experienced and knowledgeable urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas will provide specialized attention when treating your urinary tract infection and other urological disorders.
Urinary tract infections are more common in women, with many experiencing more than one infection in their lifetime. Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter than a man’s, shortening the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. Sexually active women are also at a higher risk for developing UTIs.
Other factors may increase the chances of developing a UTI including:
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Kidney stones
- Bowel incontinence
- Having a urinary catheter
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection are very similar in men and women. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination and test your urine. A urine sample will help determine if white or red blood cells are present in the urine signaling that an infection is present. A urine culture may also be performed to test for bacteria or fungi.
Symptoms commonly associated with a urinary tract infection include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Increased urgency of urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong odor
If you have any symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
Oral antibiotics are the initial treatment option for UTIs. Additional medication can be provided to relieve painful urination and other symptoms you may be experiencing. It is important to complete your entire course of antibiotics.
If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may check for any abnormalities in your urinary tract including:
- An ultrasound of urinary tract organs
- An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) x-ray with dye to highlight urinary tract
- A cystoscopy to test for bladder inflammation
- CT Scan of urinary system
Symptoms commonly associated with a urinary tract infection include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Increased urgency of urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong odor
Factors that may increase the chances of developing a UTI include:
- Women who are sexually active
- Women who use a diaphragm for birth control
- Women who are pregnant
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate
- Menopause
- Kidney stones
- Bowel incontinence
- Having a urinary catheter
Preventative measures can be taken to decrease the risk of UTIs developing. Drinking eight glasses of water daily, not holding urine for long periods of time, and daily supplements or probiotics can help to prevent urinary tract infections. Consult your doctor about the right prevention plan for you.
