UTI Specialist

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in your urethra, ureters, bladder, or kidneys. While anyone can have a UTI, they are far more commonly found in women than men, and tend to affect the lower urinary tract most often. There are two main types of UTIs:

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that occurs when bacteria enter the bladder and begin to multiply.

Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube that transfers urine from your bladder to the outside of your body.

What causes UTIs?

UTIs are caused by bacteria infiltrating the urethra. Once this bacteria begins to multiply and spread, it can affect the urethra, bladder, and even the kidneys. Because women have shorter urethras than men, they are more likely to develop UTIs. You may be more prone to UTIs if you:

Have sex

Bacteria can easily transfer from your partner’s genitals, fingers, or anus to your urethra during sex. A sex toy can also put you at risk of a UTI, which is why it’s important to wash after every use.

Contract an STD

Certain STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, increase your risk of developing a UTI.

Have diabetes

Sugar in the urine promotes bacterial growth in the urethra and bladder, which can lead to a UTI.

Are obese

Too much adipose tissue, or fat tissue, can lower your body’s immune system. This often impacts your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Use a diaphragm

Women who use diaphragms and spermicides as birth control are at a higher risk of UTIs than those who choose alternative contraceptives.

If you’ve had a UTI before, your risk of getting another one increases, so make sure to stay away from products that can increase irritation.

Which UTI symptoms should I watch out for?

Contact the physicians at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology right away if you experience one or more of the following UTI symptoms.

• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Bloody urine
• Pus in your urine
• Lower abdominal pain
• Side pain

If your UTI reaches your kidneys, you may experience:

• Fever
• Chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• One-sided mid-back pain

Treatment for most UTIs involves oral antibiotics and medications, like fosfomycin, trimethoprim, or cephalexin. However, a severe UTI may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics, so the sooner you see a doctor, the better.

How can I prevent a UTI?

Some people are simply more prone to UTIs than others, but there are plenty of ways to lower your risk of developing recurrent infections, such as:

• Drinking fluids
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Urinating before and after sex
• Avoiding irritating products
• Using condoms
• Cleansing your genitals
• Wiping from front to back

If you think you have a UTI or are prone to getting them, call Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology or schedule an appointment online.