Our Approach
At Franciscan Health, our doctors diagnose and treat urinary tract infections (UTI). We can pinpoint the cause of recurrent infections and give you tools to prevent infections.
How we treat UTIs
Doctors use antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. The type of antibiotic will depend on the specific bacteria in your urine. If an antibiotic doesn't remove all of the bacteria, your doctor may prescribe another type of antibiotic.
If left untreated, a UTI can cause complications, such as permanent kidney damage.
How we diagnose urinary tract infections
Our doctors diagnose a UTI by examining urine for red or white blood cells and bacteria. We may ask you for a urine sample to find out the type of bacteria in your urine.
If you have frequent or multiple UTIs, your doctor may need to perform more tests, such as:
- Intravenous (IV) pyelogram: An X-ray of the kidneys and bladder taken after we inject a special dye
- Cystoscopy: A test that lets your doctor look inside the bladder with a scope and light
- CT scan (computed tomography) or ultrasound: Imaging tests that allow your doctor to see inside the urinary tract
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of your body.
Bacteria (germs) enter the urinary tract through the urethra and then multiply. Most UTIs occur in the bladder or urethra.
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men because a woman's urethra is shorter. Older people are more likely to get a UTI in their bladder. Other risk factors include:
- Having a catheter or kidney stones
- Being a sexually active woman
- Using a diaphragm or spermicidal agent for birth control
You can reduce your risk for a UTI by:
- Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement
- Drinking more water to flush out the bladder
- Avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate
- Changing tampons or feminine pads often
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and wearing cotton underwear
- Urinating immediately before and after sex
UTI symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a UTI include:
- Urgent or frequent urination or urinating at night
- Burning or painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pain during sex
- Fever, chills and vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
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