Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment

Unirary Tract

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What is a Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common type of infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and urethra. A UTI is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, causing irritation and inflammation. Symptoms include burning during urination, an urgent need to urinate, pain in your lower abdomen or back and cloudy or bloody urine. Treatment for a UTI depends on the cause and can range from antibiotics to home remedies.

Risk Factors for Developing a Urinary Tract Infection

Certain factors increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection, including:

  • Having sexual intercourse
  • Pregnancy
  • Being female (women are more likely than men to develop a UTI)
  • Being postmenopausal
  • Having a urinary tract abnormality or blockage
  • Using a diaphragm for birth control
  • Using a urinary catheter
  • Having diabetes
  • Having weakened immune system due to illness or medications

Founders Family Medicine provides treatment for UTIs, including kidney and bladder infections, at our urgent care center. While women are more likely to experience a UTI, men and children are also susceptible to urinary tract infections. If you experience symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment for treatment.

How to Diagnose a UTI

To diagnose a UTI, your doctor will typically take a urine sample to check for bacteria, white blood cells, red blood cells or other signs of infection. The urine sample will be tested in the lab and if bacteria is present, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, additional tests, like a urine culture, may be needed to determine the cause of the infection or rule out any complications. Diagnosing a UTI can also involve:

  • Taking a medical history
  • Performing a physical exam
  • Checking for signs of fever or chills
  • Doing an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan

If you think you may have a urinary tract infection, it is important to contact Founders Family Medicine so we can diagnose and treat the infection.

UTI Symptoms

A urinary tract infection is a catchall for any infection of the urinary system. With a UTI, the infection may impact the kidneys, bladder, ureters or urethra. It is possible to have a UTI without symptoms, but symptoms are more common.  The symptoms vary based on the specific location of the infection.

  • Blood in urine
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Cloudy urine
  • Odor from urine
  • Frequent urination with small amounts of urine
  • Fever from infection
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pelvic pain
  • Rectal pain
  • Back pain

Common symptoms of a bladder infection include: burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate or difficulty emptying the bladder. Bladder infections are typically bacterial and require antibiotics for treatment. Complications from a bladder infection include a kidney infection, bladder stones or in rare cases, sepsis.

A kidney infection is more serious than a bladder infection as the bacteria can travel through blood vessels to other organs and parts of the body. Symptoms include high fever, chills, abdominal pain and back pain. The kidneys filter waste out of the blood and regulate water balance in the body. A bacterial infection can cause damage to the kidneys if left untreated. Treatment requires antibiotics and potentially hospitalization if the infection is severe.

Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

Drinking an adequate amount of fluids aids in eliminating bacteria in the urinary tract before it can lead to an infection. Consuming cranberry juice or using cranberry pills can also be beneficial in preventing UTIs. Maintaining proper hygiene habits, such as wiping from front to back and urinating after sexual activity, can also lower your risk of developing a UTI. Lastly, wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing can help reduce the risk of getting a UTI.

Founders Family Medicine is here to provide the local care you need for your family’s medical needs. We treat urinary tract infections with fast and efficient results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for treatment.

Treatment for UTIs

Since bacteria cause urinary tract infections, antibiotics are typically the best treatment option. To avoid complications and more serious symptoms, begin treatment directly after diagnosis. Once treatment with antibiotics begins, symptoms usually dissipate quickly. However, always complete the full cycle of antibiotics.

Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition and diet can play an important role in reducing the risk of developing a UTI. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for flushing out bacteria from the urinary system. Additionally, consuming foods with probiotics, such as yogurt, may help to reduce the risk of infection. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugar and processed foods can also be beneficial in maintaining a healthy body overall.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment Castle Rock

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men get a UTI?

Men can get a UTI, although it is much less common than in women. The symptoms of a UTI in men may be more subtle and include frequent or painful urination, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and cloudy urine. It is important for men to recognize the signs of a UTI as they are often overlooked due to its rarity in men. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious complications.

A good way to reduce the risk of infection is to drink plenty of water and urinate after sexual intercourse. Additionally, it is important to wipe from front to back when using the restroom, as this prevents bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing can also help reduce the risk of getting a UTI.

No, a urinary tract infection (UTI) will not generally go away on its own. It is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and must be treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection. If left untreated, UTIs can spread through the body, leading to more serious health complications. Therefore, it is important for a person to seek medical attention as soon as they experience symptoms of a UTI such as frequent or painful urination.

Yes, children can get urinary tract infections. The symptoms and risk factors for UTIs in children are similar to those in adults, although they may be more difficult to recognize. Common signs include fever, pain when urinating, bedwetting, and an urge to always go to the bathroom. It is important to note that UTIs can cause serious health risks if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect your child has a UTI.

Patients who have a weakened immune system or certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are at an increased risk of developing serious complications from a UTI. Pregnant women should also be aware that they may be more susceptible to UTIs due to changes in hormone levels and increased pressure on the bladder. Additionally, men with prostate issues or enlarged prostates can have difficulty emptying their bladders which can lead to a greater risk of UTIs.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of recurrent UTIs, such as not drinking enough water, using a diaphragm for contraception, or engaging in sexual activity without proper lubrication. Women who have gone through menopause are also at an increased risk due to changes in hormone levels. Additionally, having a structural abnormality of the urinary tract or kidney stones can increase the likelihood of recurrent infections.  Recurring UTI infections can lead to more serious health complications like kidney damage, so it is important to discuss any potential risk factors with your doctor.

No, a urinary tract infection is not contagious. A UTI usually occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract from the skin or stool. However, sexual partners can pass certain strains of bacteria between each other through sexual contact, which can increase the risk of developing a UTI. Therefore, it is important to practice safe sex techniques and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of a UTI.

Complications from a UTI can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the infection may spread into the kidneys and cause more serious issues such as kidney infection or sepsis. It is also important to note that having a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, increases the risk of developing complications from a UTI. Furthermore, if left untreated, recurrent UTIs can permanently damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of a UTI.

For chronic UTIs, the treatment options may vary depending on the cause of the infection and any underlying medical conditions. In general, recurrent infections are treated with a course of antibiotics that is tailored to the individual. In some cases, long-term antibiotics may be necessary to prevent further episodes. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of fluids and urinating after sexual activity can help reduce the risk of recurring infections. A single low dose of antibiotics may also be prescribed to be used after sexual activity. It is important to discuss any potential treatment options with the doctors at Founders Family Medicine.

Yes, certain methods of birth control can increase the risk of developing a UTI. For example, some forms of hormonal contraception like the pill or patch can change the balance of bacteria in the vagina and make it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Additionally, using diaphragms or other barrier methods for contraception may lead to skin irritation which can make it easier for bacteria to cause a UTI. Discussing your birth control options with the doctors at Founders Family Medicine can help reduce the risk of developing a UTI.Yes, certain methods of birth control can increase the risk of developing a UTI. For example, some forms of hormonal contraception like the pill or patch can change the balance of bacteria in the vagina and make it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Additionally, using diaphragms or other barrier methods for contraception may lead to skin irritation which can make it easier for bacteria to cause a UTI. Discussing your birth control options with the doctors at Founders Family Medicine can help reduce the risk of developing a UTI.

Why Urgent Care is Your Best Option

If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning during urination, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Visiting an urgent care can provide timely and effective treatment for urinary tract infections. Emergency room visits are costly and time consuming. Urgent care at Founders Family Medicine provides an alternative to the emergency room. You receive quality care without the extreme costs or excessive wait times. 

At Founders Family Medicine, our staff is experienced in treating complex cases of recurrent UTIs and will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your individual needs. Furthermore, our convenient hours and location make it easy to get the care you need when you need it.

Our board-certified physicians and physician assistants specialize in family medicine. We have the resources to offer compassionate care for every member of your family without the hassle and stress of the emergency room.

Telehealth Appointments

Founders Family Medicine offers telehealth appointments. We understand your need for safe and convenience treatment. However, with a UTI we need to analyze a urine sample for accurate diagnosis.

Before scheduling a telehealth appointment, a member of our medical team will talk with you to determine if telehealth is right for you. If so, we’ll schedule a telehealth appointment with a care provider.

If you are experiencing UTI symptoms visit us online or call to schedule an urgent care appointment. Our experienced and compassionate medical team will work to diagnose and address your symptoms quickly to provide relief and healing.

Founders Family Medicine serves Castle Rock, Colorado. Our board-certified physicians and physician assistants provide care for the entire family, including UTI treatment. We are trusted healthcare providers for many patients.  We hope you will become one of them. 

Visit us online or call to schedule an appointment for care.