What is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?

A UTI is an infection that affects any of the organs in your urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, kidneys, or ureters. It’s usually caused by a bacteria that enter the urinary system through your urethra and then multiplies. Due to a shorter urethra, women are more prone to UTIs than men. Sexual activity, use of certain types of birth control, and menopause may increase your risk of developing a UTI.

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What symptoms indicate I may have a UTI?

You can get a UTI and not develop symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to get it checked right away to prevent your infection from causing more serious health issues, such as kidney damage.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Fever, nausea, or vomiting

• Pelvic pain

• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating

• Feeling an urge to urinate but unable to go

• Cloudy or red-tinged urine

• Foul-smelling urine

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How is a UTI diagnosed?

The team can quickly diagnose a UTI after a urinalysis. Then, your urine may be cultured to determine the exact bacteria responsible for your infection. If you’re experiencing frequent UTIs, your provider at FemGYN may recommend following up with a urologist. 

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How are UTIs treated?

The team at FemGYN treats UTIs with antibiotics. Common antibiotics used to clear up UTI infections include:

• Bactrim

• Macrobid

• Cephalaxin

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While you may start to feel better soon after you start your medication, it’s important that you take your medication as prescribed to get the most effective treatment. Stopping your antibiotics too soon may lead to a more serious infection. If the medication is causing too many side effects, the team at FemGYN can prescribe a different antibiotic.

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To help speed up recovery, it’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, like water or cranberry juice, while you’re taking the medication.