UTIs affect millions of people every year. Most are easily treatable, but they can be serious if you are elderly or if the infection has moved to your kidneys.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious, but common, health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to urinary tract infections. Though your urine is sterile, an infection can occur when microorganisms like bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply.
Most infections arise from Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which normally live in the colon, and they’re defined by where in your urinary tract they occur. Most UTIs are easily treatable, but they can be serious if the infection has moved to your kidneys or if you are elderly.
INTEGRIS Health physicians, urologists and specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating UTIs, and offer the latest advances in antibiotics and other treatments to get you feeling like yourself again.
The following are the most common symptoms for urinary tract infections. However, you may experience symptoms differently – and these symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor. Urinary tract infection symptoms include:
If your doctor thinks you might have a urinary tract infection, exams and tests will be required to reach an accurate diagnosis. This begins with your physician asking questions about your health history, symptoms, risk factors may continue with more in-depth tests:
Specific treatment for a urinary tract infection will be determined by your doctor based on your age, overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies. Of course, your personal opinions and preferences will also be taken into consideration.
Treatments may include:
If you have frequent UTIs, there are effective preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of suffering from additional UTIs:
