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UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection, and it’s an infection in any part of the urinary system. This includes kidneys, bladder, and urethra. A majority of UTIs happen in the bladder or urethra. If you begin to experience any of the symptoms or think you have a UTI, visit AFC Urgent Care Boulder County. Our physicians can diagnose your symptoms and provide accurate treatment to help you feel your best.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Some common symptoms of a UTI can include:
- A persistent urge to urinate, even if the amount is small
- Burning while urinating
- Urine that appears cloudy or has a strong smell
Most symptoms are tolerable, and there are no serious complications of a UTI. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, where serious complications can occur. In this case, a patient may experience a high fever, upper back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The urinary tract is meant to help keep bacteria out, but in some cases, that fails. When it happens, a UTI can be the result. Women who are sexually active or who are going through menopause are at higher risk of getting a UTI.
How can I avoid getting a UTI?
There are a few ways to avoid getting a UTI. First, be sure to drink plenty of water. By doing this, it helps to dilute the urine and to use the bathroom more frequently, increasing the chance of passing the infection. Additionally, there are no studies that prove this, but many people believe cranberry juice effectively prevents UTIs. Drinking a cup of water and use the bathroom right after intercourse. This can also help lower your chance of infection. Certain feminine products and birth controls can harbor bacteria. Speak with your doctor about alternative methods to help prevent UTIs.
There are certain complications that can happen due to UTIs. Such complications include recurrent infections (four or more in a year), permanent kidney damage, or increased risk in pregnant women of delivering premature babies.
What are treatment options?
Antibiotics are normally the first course of action against a UTI, which can only be prescribed by a physician. Be sure to visit AFC Urgent Care Boulder County if you believe you have a UTI. If you suffer from frequent UTIs, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription of antibiotics or antibiotics after sexual intercourse if that is how they are happening. Speak with your physician about any health concerns, and they can give you the best potential treatment.
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