What Causes A Uti
Women specialist doctors are often posed with the question from their female patients, how did I get a UTI?
There are many causes of a urinary tract infection. Such as with infections, bacteria is the main suspect for this unpleasant condition.
A Urethra Infection: Urethritis
The urethra is the canal where the urine exits the body as it is passed by the bladder. If it becomes vulnerable to bacteria, the urethra could become infected and the site will get inflamed as the body is trying to fight the infection. Without proper treatment the infection could then spread to the other areas of the urinary tract system, first to the bladder, then the kidneys.
Most typical sources of bacteria would be from fecal matter since the urethra is so close in proximity to the anus. Sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma can also cause a UTI.
Treatment Concerns For Antibiotics
While most UTIs can be effectively managed and treated with a course of antibiotics, more and more bacteria are becoming resistant to different types of antibiotics due to mutations in their genetic code. Every time you take an antibiotic, the bacteria that are in your system are more likely to adapt and mutate and become resistant to the administered antibiotic. And since recurrence rates in the case of UTIs are high, its a strong possibility that an antibiotic may not be effective every time. Many antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and sulfonamides are no longer effective against stronger mutated bacteria and hence are not a good choice for combatting these infections.
Antibiotics can also have adverse effects on the flora of the gut and the vagina. Many antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones cannot be prescribed to pregnant women because of the concerns that they might have a possible toxic effect on the fetus.
Other health risks and adverse effects associated with antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections include extreme allergic reactions and numerous side effects. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rashes
- Headaches
Another potential risk of taking antibiotics is that they might destroy some of the good bacteria residing in your system that help with your systematic bodily functions without harming you. The death of these bacteria opens up the passageway to a whole new range of possible infections.
Here Are Some Tips To Quickly Deal With Troublesome Uti Symptoms
1. Give yourself a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath for cleansing the genital area, especially the perineum or the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. You can set up a sitz bath on your bath tub. As an alternative, you may also use a kit that fits over the toilet.
Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve skin irritations, itching, and minor pains. If you are not satisfied with a shallow bath, you may immerse in warm water to help relieve your abdominal pain. This can also allow your muscles to relax, helping stop painful spasms.
2. Use a heating pad.
Abdominal cramps and pressure are probably the worst symptoms of UTI, and extreme pain in the abdomen can really prevent you from doing your normal daily routine. Applying a heating pad over your abdomen can ease muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. If you do not have a heating pad, a bottle of hot water or a warm washcloth can also help.
3. Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Tight pants and underwear can be uncomfortable when you are dealing with abdominal pain and other UTI symptoms. They may also further irritate the genital area, leading to more discomfort and other minor infections. Make sure to wear cotton garments and opt for slightly loose clothing to keep the genital area dry and cool. This can can prevent or reduce bacterial growth.
4. Do urinate often.
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How Do You Know If You Have A Uti
UTIs dont always show symptoms, but most of the time, youll experience some combination of the following:
- A strong, near-constant urge to pee
- Small amounts of urine when using the restroom, despite the urge to urinate more
- Odorous or cloudy urine
- Pelvic pain, especially in women
- Urine thats pink, red, or brown in color, which suggests the presence of blood
- A painful burning sensation while urinating
If you experience any of these symptoms, its essential to seek medical care as soon as possible to avoid the UTI traveling to your upper urinary tract. Infection in the kidneys can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis. UTIs are very treatabletheres no good reason not to seek care, so dont wait if you think you might have a UTI.
Home Remedies That Help Relieve Uti Symptoms
Drinking cranberry juice to help relieve the symptoms of a UTI is one of the most commonly recommended home remedies you may find. Although it is a popular home remedy, it is not the only one that proves beneficial in providing relief for mild symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
There are other things you can do to help you get over the symptoms of a urinary tract infection:
1: Drink lots of water- Drinking water will help to flush out the bacteria that are causing your infection.
2: Wear breathable garments- Clothing that allows your skin to breathe, can help prevent bacteria from further developing. Restrictive clothing such as tight jeans is known to trap moisture and for cultivating an environment that breeds bacteria.
3: Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder- Avoid drinking beverages that include alcohol or caffeine. Drinks that contain these ingredients can irritate your bladder and trigger frequent urination.
4: Use a heating pad- Urinary tract infections can cause pain and discomfort but by applying a heating pad to your abdomen you can reduce these symptoms as well as bladder pressure.
5: Drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water- Components and enzymes in apple cider can be helpful in preventing bacteria from multiplying.
6: Take Vitamin C- Vitamin C keeps the bladder healthy by acidifying urine and combating the development of harmful bacteria.
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What To Expect During Your Womens Specialist Visit
Your gynecologist will most likely collect a urine sample from you to conducts a urinalysis. The amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria will help determine the diagnosis. If harmful bacteria is found in your urine sample, further analysis will be conducted to decipher the specific strand of bacteria. Because different strands of bacteria react differently to different treatment methods, understanding the specific bacteria will be instrumental in the most effective treatment plan.
If you have seen your gynecologist more than once in a year for the same issue, your womens doctor may order some imaging to look at your urinary tract closer to see if any abnormalities are present and are causing the frequent UTIs. Imaging can be performed using ultrasound, MRI or CT scan.
Using the doctors discretion, and depending on the amount of UTIs experienced, your gynecologist may feel that doing a cystoscopy would be most conclusive. A cystoscopy is a procedure performed by the gyn physician using a scope to that is attached to a long, thin tube through your urethra to examine inside the urethra and the bladder.
How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Those who have had a UTI wince at the mere mention of the subjectthat burning sensation and annoying feeling of constantly having to pee is enough to warrant a Google search about how to make sure this *never* happens again. And for those who havent had a UTI before, youd do well to read on, tootheyre not fun.
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How To Prevent A Uti From Striking Again
Sick of dealing with urinary tract infections? Really, the best “natural remedy” is simple: just prevent one from striking in the first place! Here’s how:
Drink cranberry juice
Although it has often been thought of as a treatment option, cranberry juice can only help as a preventative measure. Cranberry juice can be helpful in preventing UTIs by making the urine more acidic and preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, Dr. Sherry explains. An acidic environment in the urine makes bacterial build-up more difficult and reduces your chance of getting a UTI. But even with this information, studies have conflicting evidence about cranberries being a reliable source for prevention. So if youre prone to UTIs, it wont hurt to drink unsweetened cranberry juice. But its definitely not the UTI cure-all it has always been thought to be.
Practice good hygiene after sex and ask your partner to, too
Overall health with increased water intake and exercise is the best way to improve health and help with decreasing UTIs, Dr. Shepherd shares. This includes good hygiene and being diligent about cleaning all of your lady parts. And make sure your partner does, too. Bacteria from sexual intercourse is one of the most common ways women can get a UTI, Dr. Shepherd explains.
Limit antibiotic use
Avoid feminine hygiene products with scents and chemicals
Wipe front to back
Stay hydrated
Urinary Tract Infection Uti
It may look like a harmless condition, but it can turn into a nightmare if not taken care of over time. Every person, be it a child, is bound to have UTI once in their lifetime, and bacteria is the reason for its occurrence. With painful burning pee, other symptoms like swelling, recurrent urge for using the bathroom, and abdominal pain are common.Thankfully, proper antibiotic treatment is available for treating this condition. But, how to relieve UTI pain instantly? Well, heres the answer to your question.
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Can You Have Sex If You Have A Uti
In general, it is recommended that you avoid having intercourse when you have an active urinary tract infection. When you get an antibiotic prescription, ask your doctor when the right time to resume sexual activity would be. Of course, you can still kiss and have other intimate and emotional connections.
Once you have completed a course of antibiotics and the UTI has cleared away, you should be able to resume sexual activity. But be sure to take the careful steps necessary to prevent the sex from putting you on the road to yet another one.
A Brief Intro To Utis
A UTI is an infection in the bladder or other areas of the urinary tract, like the urethra or kidneys, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The infection is caused by bacteria.
Bacteria can enter the body, but the body usually has its own natural prevention. Urine flows through and flushes out bacteria, but sometimes the bacteria hasnt been fully flushed.
While UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, they are easily treated with antibiotics. It is important to see your doctor if you have any of the following UTI symptoms.
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- A persistent need to urinate after having just gone
- Cloudy urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a specialist immediately.
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The Best Natural Remedies For Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are more common than you think. In fact, roughly 1 out of every 2 women will get a bladder infection in their lifetime.
Also known as urinary tract infections , bladder infections are commonly caused by E. coli bacterium. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination. In the worst cases, patients see blood in their urine and have pain in the abdominal area.
Read on to learn how to treat bladder infections without traditional medicine. Explore 7 of the best natural remedies for bladder infections.
Do Spicy Foods Irritate A Bladder Infection
Whether you top your nachos with jalapeños, sprinkle your pizza with red pepper flakes, or love your curry chicken extra hot, you’ve got to skip the spice when you have a UTI. Spicy foods are known to irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, so cool down your meals and opt for blander choices to treat a urinary tract infection.
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Are You Dealing With A Uti These Tips Will Help
If youve ever had a urinary tract infection , you know how painful and uncomfortable they are. A UTI is an infection that targets your urinary system, so it can affect your ureters, kidneys, bladder, and urethra. A UTI can potentially cause serious health problems if left untreated. A severe UTI can even cause permanent kidney damage.
When patients throughout the West Covina and Santa Clarita, California, area have a UTI, they visit SmartClinic Urgent Care. Our team of medical experts specializes in treating and managing UTIs.
If youre dealing with a UTI, these tips can help improve your symptoms until your antibiotics kick in.
Follow Good Bathroom And Diapering Habits
Some children simply dont urinate often enough. Children should urinate often and when they first feel the need to go. Bacteria can grow and cause an infection when urine stays in the bladder too long. Caregivers should change diapers often for infants and toddlers, and should clean the genital area well. Gentle cleansers that do not irritate the skin are best.
Your child should always wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. This step is most important after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra and bladder.
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You Can Visit An Urgent Care Center For Uti Treatment
Its likely you trust your OB/GYN or primary care physician to help determine the best course of treatment when ailments arise. But demands for medical care can make it difficult for you to get in to see you doctor, not to mention if you develop symptoms for a urinary tract infection at a time when your physicians office is closed.
Urgent care centers, like GoHealth Urgent Care, routinely treat UTIs. With extended hours and same-day walk-in appointments, its easy to get answers and relief from a healthcare professional. At a GoHealth Urgent Care center, well perform a urine test, also known as a urinalysis, to determine if you do indeed have a UTI. On-site laboratories allow us to review urine cultures and ensure we prescribe, if necessary, the best course and type of antibiotic treatment for you.
If seeing your OB/GYN or primary care physician is not an option, and youre wondering whether to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room, you should consider these differences. Emergency rooms are usually reserved for just that emergency or life-threatening situations, like strokes, head trauma or difficulty breathing. UTIs, while painful, are not life-threatening, especially if caught and treated early. Plus, visiting an urgent care center for UTIs typically costs far less than an emergency room, and may be covered by your health insurance.
See If We Service Your Area
DispatchHealth offers on-demand healthcare for people of all ages in the comfort of their homes. DispatchHealths medical services can conveniently be requested via phone, mobile app, or on the websiteand a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, along with a DispatchHealth medical technician will arrive at your doorstep within a few hours. They will diagnose, treat, prescribe antibiotics and even call you a few days later to see how youre doing. And in most cases, DispatchHealth will start the antibiotics during the visit to your home. Best of all, theyaccept most major insuranceto make it affordable. Plus, theyre available seven days a week, 365 days a year including holidays.
So the next time you find yourself in need of urgent medical care, give DispatchHealth a call. We look forward to helping you find relief from whatever unpleasant symptoms youre experiencing.
* Please note: For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldnt be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesnt replace a primary care provider.
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Skip Citrusy Or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate The Bladder
Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when you’re struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.
Avoid Food And Beverages That May Irritate The Bladder
The most common bladder irritants are alcohol, caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, and spicy dishes.
Both caffeine and alcohol have been found to increase bladder spasming, which can make UTI pain worse. And when men and women increased their intake of coffee or soda, they had higher chances of getting UTI symptoms.
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Be Aware Of Your Bathroom Habits
Take enough time to fully empty your bladder when urinatingdont rush it. Urinate after sex to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex. Clean the genital area before and after sex.
If youre a woman, wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.
Arizona Womens Specialists Providing Top
North Valley Womens Care is a highly-referred Glendale OBGYN providing generational womens medical care from teens to seniors. Our all-female obstetrics and gynecology specialists provide comprehensive services for our patients with in-house procedures while working closely with your team of medical providers to co-manage your care.
We urge you to schedule an appointment with us right away if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a UTI as listed above. We provide extensive care with efficient and effective treatment protocols to get you living in optimal health. We are a women to women OBGYN. We listen to your needs and assess your situation in the comfort and privacy of our womens health clinic. With you as our patient, you are made to feel like our top priority.
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