Diagnosing and Treating a UTI
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. While the body’s urinary system is designed to keep out such invaders, these defenses sometimes fail.
- The Consultation: We begin by discussing your symptoms, such as how often you feel the urge to urinate and any discomfort you are experiencing.
- Urine Analysis: To confirm a diagnosis, we will ask for a urine sample. This sample is analyzed in our lab to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria.
- Urine Culture: In some cases, we may perform a urine culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. This helps us determine which medication will be most effective.
- Treatment: Most UTIs are successfully treated with a course of antibiotics. It is essential to finish the entire prescription, even if your symptoms improve after a day or two.
Recognizing the Signs of Infection
UTIs can occur in different parts of your urinary tract. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Common Symptoms:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
- A burning sensation when urinating.
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
- Urine that appears cloudy, red, bright pink, or cola-colored (a sign of blood).
- Strong-smelling urine.
- Pelvic pain, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
Specific Types of UTI:
- Cystitis: An infection of the bladder, usually caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Urethritis: An infection of the urethra, which can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra, or as a result of sexually transmitted infections.
Comprehensive Care for the Concerns That Matter Most
Our providers offer a full range of gynecologic services — from routine preventive care to evaluation and treatment of specific health concerns. Click any item below to learn more.
- Annual or “well-woman” exams
- Adolescent gynecology
- Breast exams & breast pain
- Pap smears
- Colposcopy
- Contraception (hormonal and non-hormonal)
- IUD consultations, insertion, removal & management (Mirena, Paragard, Nexplanon)
- HPV vaccination (Gardasil)
- Management of abnormal Pap tests
- STD testing, information, and treatment
Why Women are at Higher Risk
Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to female anatomy. Specific risk factors include:
- Anatomy: Women have a shorter urethra than men, which shortens the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.
- Sexual Activity: Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than those who are not.
- Birth Control: Certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicidal agents, may increase risk.
- Menopause: After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that make it more vulnerable to infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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