Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment, diagnosis
Yes, you can talk to a doctor on Ogaei about your urinary
tract infection (UTI). Our licensed healthcare
professionals can assess your symptoms, provide a
diagnosis, and recommend an effective treatment plan. If a
UTI is suspected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to
treat the infection and provide guidance on preventing
future UTIs. If necessary, they may also recommend
follow-up care or tests.
- About half of all women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives. Although they're much more common in women, men can also get UTIs.
- The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacteria, often from the large intestine like E.coli, can enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. If the urethra gets infected, the bacteria can travel up to the bladder or kidneys.
- There are two main types of UTIs. The first is a lower tract infection, which is very common and occurs when bacteria infect the urethra, the tube that carries waste from the bladder out of the body. The second type, an upper tract infection, is less common but more serious because it affects the kidneys.
- Women trying to self-diagnose may sometimes confuse UTI symptoms with those of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea, or even with pregnancy-related issues.
Common UTI symptoms include:
Pregnant women are more susceptible to UTIs because hormonal changes can make it easier for bacteria to travel up the urinary tract. Pregnancy and STIs should be ruled out when considering UTI symptoms.
If left untreated, a common UTI can lead to a kidney infection. More complicated UTI symptoms include:
- Increased frequency of urination
- A strong, urgent need to urinate
- Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- No fever or significant abdominal or back pain
Pregnant women are more susceptible to UTIs because hormonal changes can make it easier for bacteria to travel up the urinary tract. Pregnancy and STIs should be ruled out when considering UTI symptoms.
If left untreated, a common UTI can lead to a kidney infection. More complicated UTI symptoms include:
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Fever, chills, or vomiting
- Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
- Severe back pain
- A history of kidney infections or disease
- Painful urination during pregnancy
- Treatment for UTIs depends on the location and severity of the infection.
- For common UTIs, a short course of antibiotics like Septra or Macrobid is usually prescribed. Urine samples are typically needed only if there is a suspicion of a kidney infection or if you've had a recent UTI.
- If your symptoms don't improve within two to four weeks of treatment, or if you experience symptoms of a more complicated UTI, you should seek urgent medical care.
â—‹ With antibiotics, a UTI can be cleared up in three to
seven days. While some UTIs might resolve on their own,
untreated infections can worsen. It's best to consult a
doctor for pain relief and an appropriate prescription if
necessary.