How Do I Know I Have A Bladder Infection

Things Can Make You Get A Uti:

Bubble baths they can increase your chance of getting a UTI, especially in little girls

Being pregnant increases your chances of getting a UTI, and if you have one you do need to get it treated right away as it can cause your uterus to contract. Its one of the things I talk about in my Free Beginning Prenatal Class.

If youre sexually active. Virgin girls tend to frequently get UTIs on their Honeymoon . Peeing after sex helps clear that area out of any bacteria introduced. Also, certain types of in-vagina birth control make it more likely to get a UTI.

Not emptying your bladder frequently. I have a lot of pride in my ability to hold my pee for long periods of time, but its not smart. It can make your bladder less likely to fully empty and that urine sitting in there for long time periods has a larger chance to grow friends.

Not drinking enough water. This is HUGE. That just helps flush out your bladder and kidneys. Super important!

Being a woman ladies get UTIs much more frequently. Especially before the prostate ends up being an issue. The womans anatomy just has a shorter area for bacteria to head on up to your bladder vs a mans urethra

Being a man with prostate issues. Mainly because the bladder doesnt empty fully with each urination. Sometimes you can empty your bladder more if you bear down at the end of your urination.

Diabetes: Since youre likely to have some sugar in your urine its a festival for bacteria to grow and thrive. #bacteriakegger

Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites Urinary Tract Support

Bonus Review: Making sudden changes to your dogs diet can upset his stomach and might do more harm than good if hes already suffering from health problems. If your veterinarian doesnt think your dogs diet is a problem but he still has urinary issues, you might consider simply adding a urinary health support supplement to his daily routine.

These Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites come in a delicious chicken flavor and are formulated to balance your dogs urine pH while also supporting other aspects of his urinary health.

This supplement features Cran-Max with patented Bio-Shield technology to flush out bad bacteria and promote healthy bladder and urinary function. Simply follow the feeding instructions on the package to give your dog 1 to 3 chews a day. Its that simple!

The Basics About Urinary Tract Health in Dogs

Aside from the territorial aspect of it, peeing is a normal behavior for dogs. When you notice changes in your dogs urinary habits, it should be cause for concern.

Here are some of the most common things that can affect urinary tract health for dogs:

Urinary habits vary greatly from one dog to another, so just because your dog only pees twice a day doesnt necessarily mean something is wrong.

Here are some other warning signs that your dog might have a urinary health issue:

Urinary Tract Infections In Babies And Young Children

Babies and children are at risk of UTIs. These infections always need to be investigated as they may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as urinary reflux. Reflux is caused by a bladder valve problem allowing urine to flow back into the kidneys from the bladder. Reflux can cause the urine to stay inside the body increasing the risk of infection. It may lead to kidney scarring, which in turn leads to high blood pressure and sometimes kidney problems.

Recommended Reading: Oregano Oil For Bladder Infection

When Should I Visit The Doctor For A Bladder Infection

You should talk to a doctor if youve contracted a bladder infection for the first time. You should also seek medical advice if you develop the symptoms of an upper UTI, if your symptoms havent cleared up after a few days or are getting worse, or if you find that you are getting infections frequently.

Your doctor will be able to prescribe a short course of antibiotics such as Nitrofurantoin, which can clear up the infection within a few days.

Finding The Cause Of Cystitis

It is important for doctors to find the cause of cystitis in several different groups. The cause should be found in

• Children

• Analgesics as needed

• Sometimes surgery

Cystitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Before prescribing antibiotics, the doctor determines whether the person has a condition that would make cystitis more severe, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system , or more difficult to eliminate, such as a structural abnormality. Such conditions may require more potent antibiotics taken for a longer period of time, particularly because the infection is likely to return as soon as the person stops taking antibiotics. People with such conditions may also have infections caused by fungi or unusual bacteria and may thus require something other than the most commonly used antibiotics.

For women, taking an antibiotic by mouth for 3 days is usually effective if the infection has not led to any complications, although some doctors prefer to give a single dose. For more stubborn infections, an antibiotic is usually taken for 7 to 10 days. For men, cystitis usually is caused by prostatitis 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 , and antibiotic treatment is usually required for weeks.

Also Check: What Happens When You Get A Bladder Infection

Can You Have Uti Without Symptoms

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a UTI during pregnancy without visible symptoms. It may cause kidney infection and pose a risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. However, most patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria do not develop symptomatic UTI in the future.

The illness may be identified in the first prenatal check-up. In case of a negative report, the risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria in a later stage of pregnancy is considerably low. In case of a positive result, you may be treated with antibiotics as usual. On recovery, regular urine cultures are conducted to ensure there is no infection .

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.

Don’t Miss: Best Cranberry Juice For Bladder Infection

What To Consider In A Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health

Plan to carefully read labels when deciding which brand is right for your cat. First, pet parents should work with their veterinarian on what their cat specifically needs, says Dr. Bernal. A veterinarian will be able to provide the key attributes that the cat parent should look for to support their cats urinary tract health.

Prevent Utis At Home: 5 Natural Tips

2020-07-2828 July 2020

If youve ever had a urinary tract infection , you will probably do anything to avoid another one! A UTI is an infection of the urinary system, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine is normally sterile, but UTIs are caused when bacteria enter the urine. This can lead to a bladder infection or a kidney infection .

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• A burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Bladder or lower abdominal pressure
• Hematuria

After a UTI is diagnosed, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Because UTIs are common, prevention is important. Keep reading for the five foods and supplements to add to your diet to reduce the chances of contracting a UTI.

Don’t Miss: Best Over The Counter Bladder Control

Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms Treatment And Common Questions

In addition, as the uterus grows throughout pregnancy, it can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to empty completely.

Pregnancy can also make a UTI more difficult to treat, which can have serious consequences, including pyelonephritis preterm labor low birth weight and .

A urinalysis and a urine culture are routinely performed at an initial prenatal visit to screen for UTIs, but if you’re pregnant and suspect you may have an infection, seek medical attention quickly.

Utis And Hospital Stays

A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube thats inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities.

Don’t Miss: Where Does Bladder Cancer Spread

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.

Bladder Infection Symptoms In Women

Would you recognize any of these?

At 22 years old, I found myself in bed one day, ditching work with an on-and-off-again fever of 104 degrees F. Besides the standard feverish chills and sweats, nothing else seemed wrong with me, so I attributed my temperature to the flu.

But one day of fever turned into three, which turned into five. Id never had a fever that turned on and off like a light switch, so I finally decided to call the doctor. When I described symptoms, he immediately had me pee in a cup and diagnosed me with the one condition Id never considered: a bladder infection.

Id had a few other bladder infections in my life, but they were always accompanied by a searing sensation when I urinated, so it never crossed my mind. What I know now: Theres more than one way to experience a bladder infection .

A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection and most UTIs are bladder infections, says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., a Chicago-based ob-gyn.

Women are, unfortunately, about 30 times more likely than men to get a bladder infection because our urethras are shorter and closer to our vagina and anus, making it easier for infection-causing bacteria to make their way into the urinary tract, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

While theres no normal when it comes to toilet habits, if youre going more than eight times a day, or more than twice an hour, thats probably too much, says Shepherd.

You May Like: How To Stop Bladder Leakage While Exercising

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

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis

UTIs can cause such signs as:

• pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
• an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
• fever
• waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
• belly pain in the area of the bladder
• foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood

If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you’ll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable you’ll be. Call your doctor’s office or clinic. If you can’t reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.

Also Check: Can A Bladder Infection Cause Lower Back Pain

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.

Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back

If your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:

• prescribe a different antibiotic or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take for up to 6 months
• prescribe a vaginal cream containing oestrogen, if you have gone through the menopause
• refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments

In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms.

This may mean you have a long-term UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments.

Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.

Don’t Miss: Medication To Treat Bladder Infection

When To See A Doctor

Contact your doctor if you have pain or discomfort when you urinate or other symptoms of a bladder infection, especially if the symptoms have been present for two days or more. If an infection lingers for too long, you risk the bacterial infection traveling to other parts of your body, including your kidneys. Therefore, you should seek treatment if you notice symptoms.

Your doctor will complete a physical examination and collect a urine sample to send for lab analysis to determine if an infection is present. Complications from an uncomplicated bladder infection are typically rare with antibiotic treatment. However, if you develop fever, chills, nausea, or confusion, you should immediately contact your doctor. These symptoms suggest a more serious infection that has spread to your kidneys. If you have a kidney infection, you may need an IV treatment of high-dose antibiotics, which may require hospitalization.

Show Sources

Are Some Women More At Risk For Utis

Yes. You may be at greater risk for a UTI if you:1,5

• Are sexually active. Sexual activity can move germs that cause UTIs from other areas, such as the vagina, to the urethra.
• Use a diaphragm for birth control or use spermicides with a diaphragm or with condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that protect you from UTIs.
• Are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely. Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI.
• Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI.
• Have diabetes, which can lower your immune system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder
• Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder
• Have or recently had a catheter in place. A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery.

Don’t Miss: Bladder Prolapse Surgery Success Rate

How Are Utis Treated

Treatments for UTIs often depend on the severity of the infection. Doctors often divide UTIs into simple and complicated infections.

Bladder infections usually fall into the simple category. Doctors can usually treat them with antibiotics over the course of three to five days. Common antibiotics used to treat bladder infections include trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium.

If you have an infection, you should always take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better. This keeps the infection from coming back.

Complicated UTIs are harder to treat. Kidney infections usually fall into this category. If you have a complicated UTI, you may require IV antibiotics and have to take antibiotics for a week or more.

Treatment Of Utis In A Dog

Antibiotics are indicated for bacterial UTIs. Prescription food may be required to combat crystals/stones in the urinary tract.

Resistant or recurrent UTIs are a real pain in the neck for the patient, pet parent and doc! Many of these require additional testing before a treatment plan can be reached.

Over-the-county remedies and supplements such as cranberry juice extracts dont seem to do much good. One of the most trusted voices in holistic/naturopathic veterinary medicine, Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, CVA, CVCH, AHG, says she does not use them.

Don’t Miss: How To Retrain Your Bladder At Night