What The Doctor Does
Doctors first ask questions about the persons symptoms and medical history and then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the blood in the urine and the tests that may need to be done can make urine appear pink, red, or brown, depending on the amount of blood, how long it has been in the urine, and how acidic the urine is. An amount of blood read more ).
Doctors ask how long blood has been present and whether there have been any previous bleeding episodes. They ask about fever, weight loss, or symptoms of urinary blockage, such as difficulty starting urination or inability to completely empty the bladder. Pain or discomfort is an important finding. Burning during urination or dull pain in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone suggests a bladder infection. In men, mild to moderate pain in the lower back or pelvis is often the result of a prostate infection Prostatitis Prostatitis is pain and swelling, inflammation, or both of the prostate gland. The cause is sometimes a bacterial infection. Pain can occur in the area between the scrotum and anus or in the read more . Extremely severe pain is usually due to a stone or a blood clot blocking the flow of urine.
Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infections
And now a brief note about reproductive parts: Although people with penises do get UTIs, people with vaginas are more at risk. It all boils down to the anatomy, Minkin says.
Bacteria that cause UTIs often make their way from the back door to the front and then up the urethra to wreak havoc on the urinary system.
Because the male reproductive system has a longer urethra than the female reproductive system, the bacteria have farther to travel, which makes it more difficult for a UTI to develop.
But regardless of anatomy, once youve had one UTI, youre more likely to get another, especially if you have a vagina. Hickling DR, et al. . Management of recurrent urinary tract infections in healthy adult women.
Diagnosis And Treatment For Discharge And An Itchy Urethra
If youâre experiencing an itchy urethra, penile discharge, or any other symptoms of an STD, speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may recommend testing for sexually transmitted infectionsâincluding gonorrhea and chlamydiaâto help diagnose the cause of your STD symptoms.
You may prefer to get tested from the comfort of your home. In this case, you can order our at-home Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test. If you receive a positive result on this test, you have the option to speak with a physician in our networkâwho may prescribe medication to treat the infection, if appropriate.
Also consider taking the at-home STD Test for menâwhich checks for 6 common sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
References
1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Urethritis in Men. American Family Physician. URL. Accessed May 15, 2020.
2. Korenromp EL, Sudaryo MK, de Vlas SJ, et al. What proportion of episodes of gonorrhoea and chlamydia becomes symptomatic?. Int J STD AIDS. 2002 13:91â101. doi:10.1258/0956462021924712
3. Chlamydia â CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed May 15, 2020.
4. Gonorrhea â CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed May 15, 2020.
5. Chlamydia Treatment. National Health Service. URL. Accessed May 15, 2020.
6. Gonorrhea â Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed May 15, 2020.
Recommended Reading: Can Iud Cause Urinary Incontinence
How Is Uti Treated
For UTI treatment, your doctor will typically do a urine culture, to determine the type of infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor may recommend antibioticsoral antibiotics for lower tract infection, and intravenous antibiotics for upper tract infection. If the infection is caused by a virus, then the doctor will recommend antiviral medication.
Myth: Hygiene Habits And Clothing Fit Contribute To Utis
You may have heard that certain hygiene practices are risk factors for UTIs, particularly for women. But UTIs are not caused by how you wipe in the bathroom, by tampon use or by failing to empty your bladder after sexual intercourse. Theyre also not caused by wearing tight clothes.
A lot of women express concern about these, said Dr. Dielubanza. But studies have shown there is no association between these practices and UTIs.
Don’t Miss: What Do You Treat A Urinary Tract Infection With
All About Urinary Tract Infections
This site is dedicated to providing you with the best information regarding urinary tract infections , an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. We aim to provide the most comprehensive resource available about UTIs and how to properly address them.
We provide you with impartial, up-to-the-minute information regarding this very common infection, which affects many individuals. UTIs are quite common, so understanding causes, symptoms and which measures can be taken to help eradicate this uncomfortable condition, once and for all.
Youve Got A Cold The Flu Or Allergies
You may be tempted to curse your seasonal sneezes, a cold, or the dreaded flu for making your life even more miserable with a UTI, but these ailments arent the cause. The meds you take to manage symptoms could be.
Though theyre the bomb at keeping your runny or stuffy nose in check, antihistamines and decongestants might make you go less by causing urinary retention. And see No. 6 that may lead to a UTI.
Read Also: What Can Cause Urinary Retention
Uti Signs And Symptoms In Childrenare Different
UTIs are the second most common type of infection in children, behind ear infections. Unfortunately, early symptoms of UTI in young children are not always apparent. And sometimes there are no UTI symptoms at all, or your child is simply unable to articulate the UTI symptoms he or she is experiencing. When it comes to babies under 2 years old, parents need to tune in to these signs of a urinary tract infection:
- Fever A fever of 104°F or higher may be the sole symptom in babies. Its also the most common symptom of UTI during babys first two years.
- Jaundice Up to 18 percent of babies with prolonged or worsening jaundice also have UTIs. When jaundice occurs one full year after birth, its a strong indicator of UTI.
- Fussiness
- Poor feeding or failure to thrive
- Sluggish
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Crying while urinating
Meanwhile, older children generally have similar symptoms to adults, including urgency, cloudy urine, and pain during urination. For children whove already been toilet trained, bed-wetting is also a sign of a UTI.
Preventing Utis And Yeast Infections
Urinary tract infections and yeast infections can be safely and easily treated. However, if you have experienced either of these conditions, you know just how uncomfortable they can be.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to try to prevent these infections.
-
In addition to staying hydrated, proper bathroom hygiene, such as remembering to wipe from front to back, can reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
-
Urinating after sex naturally flushes bacteria from your urinary tract that may have found their way there during intercourse.
-
Avoid using douches or sprays, as they can kill good bacteria that keeps your vagina healthy.
-
Wear underwear and clothing that is made from natural materials to prevent bacteria or yeast buildup.
-
When exercising or after enduring a hot day, be sure to change out of sweaty clothes and shower as soon as you can.
Don’t Miss: Azo Urinary Tract Pain Relief
Yeast Infections And Bleeding
A yeast infection can lead to minor bleeding, but it may not occur in everyone or every yeast infection a woman gets throughout her life. Typically, the bleeding is nothing to be worried about. It is caused by small cuts, tears, or sores in vaginal tissue that can occur because of the infection. Those most at risk of having bleeding during a yeast infection are those who have recurring yeast infections.
A yeast infection is a type of vaginitis, which refers to several disorders that cause vaginal inflammation. The inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, itching, and bleeding. Vaginitis is usually a result of a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, an infection, or reduced estrogen levels after menopause. There are seven common types of vaginitis, and yeast infection is one of them. The other six include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, viral vaginitis, noninfectious vaginitis, and atrophic vaginitis.
These conditions present similarly in terms of symptoms. All require different treatments and thus should be investigated by a healthcare provider before you try any over-the-counter medications. The types of vaginitis and other conditions can also cause bleeding similar to that of a yeast infection.
Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many lifestyle choices that can help you prevent UTIs. These are some of the things you can do to protect yourself from them:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. For some people, drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if youre taking warfarin, check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
- Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to. Some children dont go to the bathroom often enough. If your child does this, teach him or her to go to the bathroom several times each day.
- Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Teach your child to wipe correctly.
- Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
- Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex if youre a little dry.
- If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.
- Avoid taking or giving your child bubble baths.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing , and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
- If you are uncircumcised, wash the foreskin regularly. If you have an uncircumcised boy, teach him how to wash his foreskin.
Don’t Miss: Can Vitamin D Cause Urinary Tract Infections
What Are Urinary Tract Infection Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for UTIs. In general, any interruption or impedance of the usual flow of urine is a risk factor for a UTI. For example, kidney stones, urethral strictures, an enlarged prostate, or any anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract increases infection risk. This is due in part to the flushing or washout effect of flowing urine in effect, the pathogens have to “go against flow” because the majority of pathogens enter through the urethra and have to go retrograde to reach the bladder, ureters, and eventually the kidneys. Many investigators suggest that women are far more susceptible than men to UTIs because their urethra is short and its exit is close to the anus and vagina, which can be sources of pathogens.
People who require catheters have an increased risk as the catheter has none of the protective immune systems to eliminate bacteria and offers a direct connection to the bladder. Catheters that are designed to reduce the incidence of catheter-related infections are available , but are not used by many clinicians because of short-termed effectiveness, cost, and concern about antibiotic resistancedevelopment in bacteria.
Does My Child Have A Bladder Infection
If you notice that your child has to pee more often or if he/she complains that peeing hurts, your child may have urethritis. This happens when the urethra becomes inflamed.
The urethra is the tube that drains urine out of the body. For girls, the urethra is the opening above the vagina. For boys, the urethra is the opening on the tip of the penis.
Depending on your childs age, it can be difficult to figure out what is wrong. You may need to ask the same question in different ways using terms your child understands.
Talk to your health care provider to determine if your child should be evaluated. Symptoms of urethritis are similar to a bladder infection . Symptoms include:
- Pain or burning in the urethra when urinating
- Pain around the vagina or penis
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Not wanting to urinate, which can cause accidents
- Not wanting to drink to avoid urinating
- Lower abdominal pressure or pain
If you suspect urethritis and bring your child to a health care provider, assure your child that the visit will be painless. All your child needs to do is pee in a cup, which is usually fun for kids.
In children, urethritis is usually caused by a chemical irritation not an infection. Chemicals like soap, bubble baths or skin lotions that get inside the urethra can cause the irritation. Symptoms usually resolve within three days after the last exposure to the irritant.
How can you prevent urethritis?
Don’t Miss: Antibiotics For Urinary Tract Infection Men
Other Sexually Transmitted Infections : Gonorrhea Or Chlamydia
Green discharge may be a sign of other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
It is quite common for women with trichomoniasis to have a concurrent gonorrhea or chlamydia infection.
Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted diseases that you can contract if you have unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia or gonorrhea.
As with trichomoniasis most people with chlamydia or gonorrhea donât display any symptoms. However, those that do often experience painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge , pain during sex or vaginal bleeding between periods.
If left untreated, gonorrhea or chlamydia can lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease . PID often has no symptoms, but some women do experience abdominal or pelvic pain. If left untreated PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system leading to an inability to get pregnant, and potentially ectopic pregnancy .
If you are concerned that you might have trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or any other type of STD then you should consider using an at home STD test that will test for the common types of STDs.
As many STDs do not have symptoms, early detection and treatment is vital to avoid long term consequences. If you test positive, you will be able to start treatment immediately and avoid passing an infection to a partner or risking other health side effects.
Did You Know Our Microbiome Changes When We Get A Uti
One more reason for vaginal discharge and UTI could be that UTIs change the composition of bacteria within the vagina.
Before a UTI occurs, the vaginal opening and periurethral area are contaminated with E. coli or other bad bacteria. There are also fewer lactobacilli, suggesting that lactobacilli inhibit the growth of the bad bacteria.
Multiple studies show that the more lactobacilli in the vagina, the less likely a woman is to have recurring UTIs. Importantly, immediately after a UTI, the lactobacilli have not fully recovered, which increases the period that we are at increased risk for a repeat UTI.
If you noticed changes to your normal vaginal discharge, its important to understand what caused it and get treated since not only it could be indicative of an STD, BV or yeast infection but also make you more susceptible to bacteria causing UTIs. If a person leaves either infection untreated, it can progress, causing worse symptoms and additional complications.
You May Like: Interstim Implant For Urinary Incontinence
Treating A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are treated using antifungal medications. These are available in many forms, such as clotrimazole and miconazole, which are available over the counter. There is also an oral medication, fluconazole , available as a prescription if you prefer a pill to a vaginal cream or suppository.
Can You Have Discharge With A Urinary Tract Infection
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
You May Like: Over The Counter Urinary Tract Infection Pain Relief
Follow Up With Your Doctor As Directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
What Causes Cystitis
Cystitis is usually caused by a growth of bacteria that turns into a bacterial infection. However, there are other causes, such as if the bladder is irritated for another reason.
Most bacterial infections are thought to occur when bacteria that live in the bowel get into the bladder through the urethra. You can increase the risk of getting Cystitis when you:
Wipe from back to front after going to the toilet
Have a urinary catheter
Use a diaphragm as a form of contraception
To help reduce your chances of contracting Cystitis, you should go for a wee after sexual intercourse and always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
There are other things that can increase your risk of getting Cystitis. These include menopause and diabetes.
If youre going through the menopause, the lining of the urethra can shrink. This could allow more bacteria to pass through which may make you more likely to get an infection. During menopause, the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina changes too, so whereas previously, the good bacteria might have been able to fight off the bad bacteria, this may no longer be the case.
If you suffer from diabetes, your chances of getting Cystitis are higher because of the increased levels of sugar in your urine. This additional sugar provides a good environment for bacteria to multiply and grow in.
You May Like: Urinary Tract Infection And Dementia