What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, happens when a pathogen ends up in your urinary system. This invader causes inflammation and painful symptoms, affecting your urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. Most infections affect your urethra or bladder.
Whenever some part of your urinary tract becomes infected, the umbrella diagnosis is a UTI. The specific part of your urinary system that is infected may determine your course of treatment.
Anatomical differences make women more likely than men to develop a UTI. Severe complications can arise if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, which is why prompt treatment is essential.
What are the common symptoms of a UTI?
Here are the most common signs and symptoms of a UTI to look out for:
- A persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation during urination
- Frequently passing small amounts of urine
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Weak urine stream
- Pelvic pain
If you begin to notice UTI symptoms, seek treatment right away. Treating a UTI is simple, so don’t wait to get symptom relief.
How can I prevent a UTI?
You can reduce your likelihood of getting a UTI by taking these steps:
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out your urinary tract. A good number to settle on is eight cups of water per day on average.
Shower Instead of Taking a Bath
Showering is a more effective way to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
No Scented Hygiene Products
Scented feminine hygiene products are known to irritate the urethra. Use unscented products to decrease the risk of irritation.
Never Hold It In
If you hold it in when you need to urinate, you’re gradually increasing your risk of getting a UTI. The longer you hold it in, the more bacteria are developing.
Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C helps neutralize the bacteria in the urine, reducing your risk of contracting a UTI. Cranberry juice has shown to be effective in fighting and preventing UTIs and speeding up recovery from a UTI.
How do you treat a UTI?
Treating a UTI is usually very straightforward. Dr. Marella will prescribe antibiotics that will get rid of your infection very quickly. In cases where your UTI returns, Dr. Marella can use imaging tests to examine your urinary tract and identify a cause. These tests will allow him to devise a treatment approach and future infections.
To learn more about UTI prevention and treatment, set up an appointment with Dr. Marella by calling the office or booking online today.
We have offices conveniently located in Wayne, New Jersey and Clifton, New Jersey.
