What are urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria get into your urethra and multiplies, causing an infection. A urinary tract infection can affect your urethra, bladder, or both. If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can spread into your kidneys.
There are many possible causes of urinary tract infections. If you’re a woman, you are at a higher risk of developing one. That risk is multiplied if you are sexually active. Even though these factors can put you at a higher risk, anyone is susceptible to urinary tract infections.
How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?
There are several hallmark symptoms of urinary tract infections. Dr. Furman determines which type you have and the severity by assessing the symptoms that you’re experiencing.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling a constant need to urinate
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Pain or stinging while urinating
- Blood in your urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Discharge
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you will experience different, more severe symptoms. Fever, nausea, and intense side pain can all indicate a urinary tract infection that has reached your kidneys.
How are urinary tract infections treated?
Dr. Furman offers several treatment options for urinary tract infections. Your symptoms allow him to select a treatment plan that will work best for you as they indicate the area of your infection (e.g. bladder, urethra, kidneys). Dr. Furman also takes a urinary sample in order to diagnose your urinary tract infection.
Treatments for urinary tract infections include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding caffeine
- Avoiding alcohol
- Taking antibiotic medications
If you’re prescribed antibiotics, you’ll likely notice your symptoms clear up within a few days. Even if this is the case, it’s important that you continue following Dr. Furman’s instructions and take the entire course of the medication.
How can I prevent urinary tract infections in the future?
After experiencing the inconvenience and discomfort of a urinary tract infection, you’ll want to do everything in your power to keep yourself from getting another one. Dr. Furman gives suggestions and instructions that help you prevent them before they occur. These include:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Drinking cranberry juice
- Wiping from front to back
- Avoiding scented feminine products (deodorants, scented pads)
- Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse
Practicing these and other preventive measures will decrease your chances of getting a urinary tract infection, even if you’ve never had one. Dr. Furman offers further clarification and answers questions during your appointment.
If you’re consistently uncomfortable or in pain when you urinate, you may have a urinary tract infection. Call or schedule an appointment online with Neil Furman, DO, for expert diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections.
