Causes Of Urinary Track Infection

Do I Need To See A Doctor

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

A Pharmacist Can Help With Utis

You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI.

A pharmacist can:

• offer advice on things that can help you get better
• suggest the best painkiller to take
• tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms

Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they’re needed.

Things You Can Do Yourself

To help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection :

• takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
• you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
• rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day
• avoid having sex

Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. But there’s no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.

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When To Get Medical Advice

It’s a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:

• you have symptoms of an upper UTI
• the symptoms are severe or getting worse
• the symptoms haven’t started to improve after a few days
• you get UTIs frequently

Your GP can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine and can prescribe antibiotics if you do have an infection.

Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they’re allowed to spread.

How Is Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed

In order to ensure a clean urine sample, a physician will likely have you clean your genital area with a special wipe beforehand, and ask that you do a midstream catch of the urine.

If a UTI is diagnosed, youll be treated with antibiotics. Its important to note that false negative results do occur and that almost all women who experience typical UTI symptoms and a negative urine culture actually do have a UTI. 30209-4/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 11)

If youve had a prior UTI, your healthcare provider will look at prior cultures to see which bacteria were found, if any, and which antibiotics were used this often guides therapy in recurrent UTIs.

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Complications Of Urinary Tract Infections

Delayed treatment for UTIs can lead to complications. Most UTIs cause no lasting damage if they are treated quickly. But if left untreated, UTIs can lead to complications that include:

• Recurring infections
• Narrowing of the urethra in men
• A potentially life-threatening infection called sepsis, especially when kidneys are infected

How Is It Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may have lab tests of your urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.

For serious or repeated infections, you may need:

• An intravenous pyelogram . An IVP is a special type of X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
• An ultrasound scan to look at the urinary tract.
• A cystoscopy. This is an exam of the inside of the urethra and bladder with a small lighted instrument. It is usually done by a specialist called a urologist.

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How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Bladder Infection And A Uti

Theres a reason that people use the terms UTI and bladder infection interchangeablythe symptoms are largely the same.

• Burning sensation while peeing
• Feeling of urgency to pee, but produce very little urine

The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection. Therefore if you have a UTI, its likely in your bladder. And thankfully, bladder infections are relatively simple to treat.

If you have a UTI that isnt a bladder infection, you may experience additional symptoms.

• Lower back pain that feels more severe than a bladder infection
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Pinkish or reddish urine

If you think you have a UTI, its important to get treated quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

If you are a healthy adult man or a woman who is not pregnant, a few days of antibiotic pills will usually cure your urinary tract infection. If you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is safe for you and the baby. Usually, symptoms of the infection go away 1 to 2 days after you start taking the medicine. Its important that you follow your doctors instructions for taking the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Skipping pills could make the treatment less effective.

Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine makes your urine turn bright orange, so dont be alarmed by the color when you urinate.

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Which Infections Are Worse

NIDDK . A kidney infection is usually caused by a bladder or urethra infection where the bacteria multiply and travel upward toward the kidneys.

Kidney infections can be extremely serious and painful, sometimes leading to hospitalization to receive intravenous antibiotics. If left untreated, kidney infections due to UTIs can cause infections in the bloodstream. This can be life-threatening.

Home Remedies To Relieve Utis

If you do find yourself with a Urinary Tract Infection, there are several home remedies you can try before resorting to an over the counter or prescription drug.

• Increase Your Water Intake. An increase in fluids can help flush out the urinary tract and put you on the road to recovery. Just make sure youre drinking water and avoid any sugary or caffeinated drinks.

• Empty Your Bladder Frequently. Emptying your bladder helps you get rid of the bacteria thats causing the infection. Be sure to go whenever you feel the urge dont hold it in!

• Take Some Vitamin C. Eat plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C, or take a supplement to make your urine more acidic. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria in your urine.

• Watch What You Eat. Avoiding bladder irritants can help make it easier for your body to fight off infections within the urinary tract. Steer clear of spicy foods, acidic foods, carbonated drinks, or sugary sweets.

• Use Heat To Relieve Pain. Urinary Tract Infections can be painful. Use a heating pad on the stomach or pubic area to relieve discomfort, or take a warm bath.

• Baking Soda. This household staple can help neutralize the acidity in your urine, helping you to heal from the infection. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and drink up.

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Favorite Site For Urinary Health Podcasts

Podcasts arent just for politics, laughs, and murder mysteries. The American Urological Association has a fantastic one called, aptly, the Urology Care Podcast, which covers topics like sexual health myths, UTIs, prostate cancer, and more. Currently there are more than 140 episodes to listen to, ranging from about 4 minutes to 28 minutes long.

Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis

Our experienced Advocate health providers will discuss your symptoms with you and take a urine sample for testing. A urinalysis will test for bacteria and red and white blood cells in your urine to help indicate if there is an infection. If you experience frequent UTIs, your doctor may order a urine culture to determine what type of bacteria is in your urine, or a cystoscopy, a procedure where a scope is inserted into the bladder to get a better look at whats causing the problem.

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Can Utis Be Prevented

A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Also, go to the bathroom when needed and don’t hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.

UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they’re common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.

Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti

Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

• Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
• Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

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How Do I Prepare For A Urinalysis

Before your urinalysis test, youll need to make sure youve drunk enough liquids, such as water, to be able to go to the bathroom and produce a urine sample.

Depending on the reason for the urinalysis, your healthcare provider may want the urine sample to be the first time you pee in the morning . Your provider will let you know if this is the case.

Certain medications can change the color of your urine. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking certain medications that can affect urinalysis test results. Only stop taking medications if your provider tells you to do so.

If youre menstruating , its important to let your provider know before collecting your urine sample. Menstrual blood, as well as vaginal discharge, can interfere with certain urinalysis test results.

How Can I Treat Pelvic Pain At Home

If you suffer from chronic pelvic pain, there are a few things you can do to ease symptoms at home. For example:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help reduce swelling that leads to pelvic pain. Acetaminophen can also ease painful symptoms.
• Make time for exercise. Even though you may not feel like moving, exercise helps increase blood flow and may help reduce your discomfort.
• Apply heat. Place a heating pad or warm compress over the area, or take a long soak in a hot bath.
• Stop smoking. Tobacco products can inflame nerves and cause pain. Avoiding these habits can help relieve pain.
• Take supplements. If your pelvic pain symptoms are due to vitamin or mineral deficiency, supplements could help soothe your discomfort. Talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating supplements into your daily routine.
• Practice relaxation exercises. Yoga, mindfulness or meditation can help reduce stress and tension. As a result, chronic pain may be eased.

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How Do Utis Affect Pregnancy

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy raise your risk for UTIs. UTIs during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys.

If youre pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor or nurse right away. Your doctor will give you an antibiotic that is safe to take during pregnancy.

If left untreated, UTIs could lead to kidney infections and problems during pregnancy, including:

• Premature birth

Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection

A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.

Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.

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How Can I Manage Bladder Irritation

You can manage discomfort by avoiding foods you have identified as bladder irritants. But removing foods from your diet doesnt mean you can never have them again. You might be able to enjoy them in moderation . Drinking plenty of water will help reduce pain from any bladder-irritating foods you might ingest, in moderation or accidentally.

How Do I Read My Urine Test Results

Depending on which tests your healthcare provider ordered for your urinalysis, there may only be a few or several measurements on your test results. Laboratory reports, including urinalysis reports, usually provide the following information:

• The name of the urine test or what was measured in your urine.
• The number, measurement or assessment of your urine test result.
• The normal result, measurement range or assessment for that test.
• Information that indicates if your result is normal or abnormal.

Urine clarity refers to how clear your urine sample was. Most laboratories categorize the clarity of urine as one of the following:

If you had a chemical urine test, such as a glucose urine test or nitrite urine test, the results may be categorized as negative or positive and/or indicate the amount of the substance.

If you had a microscopic urine test, such as one that checked for red blood cells or bacteria, the laboratory will likely categorize the number of the substance as one of the following:

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Related Conditions And Causes Of Uti

There are a number of health conditions that share some symptoms with urinary tract infections, including:

The following conditions may make you more susceptible to developing a UTI and increase the severity of symptoms:

Type 2 diabetes

And having a UTI can increase a man’s risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia .

Several Factors Can Contribute To The Risk Of Utis

• Sexual intercourse

• Catheterization

Cathetersare associated with colonization of bacteria and increased risks of clinical infection. Usingthe techniques describedhere can help keep catheters clean and prevent recurrent UTI. While single-use of sterile catheters reduces the risks, it does not prevent UTI from occurring. It is therefore important to maintain proper care and use of catheters at all times while remaining alert to symptoms of UTI.

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How Do You Know If Pelvic Pain Is Serious

While not all pelvic pain is serious, seeking medical care when symptoms are severe is important. You should head to the nearest emergency room if:

• Pelvic pain is sharp, severe or sudden.
• Youre unable to stand up straight.
• There is blood in your pee or poop.
• Youre running a fever.
• Youre pregnant or have been pregnant in the last six months.

What If The Infection Does Not Clear Up With Treatment

Most infections clear up with treatment. However, if an infection does not clear up, or if you have repeated infections, you may be given some special tests such as:

• a type of x-ray called an intravenous pyleogram , which involves injecting a dye into a vein and taking pictures of your kidney and bladder

• an ultrasound exam, which gives a picture of your kidneys and bladder using sound waves

• a cytoscopic exam, which uses a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.

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Theres A Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis And Urinary Tract Infection And Heres All That You Need To Know About The Two Conditions

Are you experiencing frequent or painful urination but are confused about exactly which vaginal infection you may have? If thats the case, youre not alone. A woman experiences different types of infections throughout her life, and often it becomes a bit difficult to ascertain the exact issue. When it comes to intimate health-related infections, chances are you probably knew that both bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infection are very common female health problems. What you may not know is the difference between them.

Although both types of infections may seem similar, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are quite different. To understand the difference, HealthShots spoke to Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune. She explained here how you can differentiate between both the infections.