Urinary Tract Infections

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys and bladder which occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract. Generally, women are more likely to develop a UTI than men. If untreated, serious health problems can result, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

UTI Symptoms

UTI symptoms can vary depending on the part of the urinary tract that is infected. Common symptoms may include the following:

• • Urinary urgency that doesn’t go away
  • Burning with urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Urine that is cloudy or appears red or bright pink
  • Urine has a strong odor
  • Pelvic pain or pressure

Treatment & Prevention

If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems including kidney damage and sepsis. Women, individuals with a suppressed immune system, or those using a catheter may be at higher risk of developing a UTI. However, when treated promptly and properly, UTIs rarely lead to complications.

If diagnosed with a UTI, your healthcare provider will typically prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Common antibiotics include Bactrim, Macrobid, Cephalexin and Ciprofloxacin. Additionally, your healthcare provider might prescribe a pain reliever that can help ease the burning during urination. UTI symptoms will often clear up within a few days of starting treatment.

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a UTI by drinking plenty of water, wiping from front to back after using the restroom and avoiding potentially irritating feminine products. If you do develop a UTI, Chesapeake Telemedicine is here to help! Schedule an appointment today to get the care and treatment you need.