Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common conditions that affect your bladder or urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of your body). UTIs are more common in women and older adults.
Urinary tract infections can cause:
- pain when urinating
- intense urges to urinate (with very little urine)
- pelvic pain / lower abdominal pain
- cloudy or bloody urine
- foul-smelling urine
- fever
- fatigue
Elderly people can experience mental status changes with this infection.
Tests
Urine Testing
A physician can examine a sample of your urine for signs of infection such as bacteria.
Treatments
Antibiotics
If bacteria caused your urinary tract infection, an antibiotic could help stop the infection.
How to Prevent a UTI
There are several things you can do to prevent UTIs, after consulting with your doctor. These include:
- drinking more water
- initial therapies: probiotics, vitamin C, cranberry tablets with proanthocyanidins
- intermediate treatments: D-Mannose
- advanced therapies (taken daily or pre/post-vaginal sex, as prescribed): Methenamine hippurate tablets, oral antibiotics, antibiotic bladder washes
- prescription estrogen pills or vaginal cream to reduce vaginal dryness in post-menopausal women
Why Choose UHealth?
Advanced, specialized care to fight infections. From the latest diagnostic techniques to the newest evidence-based medicines, our infectious disease physicians offer specialized care for many infectious diseases including HIV, cytomegalovirus, fungal infections, mycobacterial infections, and more. We create personalized treatment plans based on the cause of your infection and your health to prevent and fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. You’ll have access to expert physicians, more treatment options, and supportive care that focuses on your needs.
Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.
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