Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A UTI is an infection that impacts the urinary tract, encompassing the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. UTIs occur when bacteria find their way into the urinary tract. Most infections penetrate through the urethra and settle in the bladder.

Women are more prone to UTIs due to the location and size of the urethral opening. There are three types of UTIs: cystitis (bladder infection), urethritis (urethra infection), and acute pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

What are the Indications of a UTI?

Symptoms include:

Persistent Need to Urinate Burning Sensation During Urination Passing Small Amounts of Urine Strong-Smelling Urine Cloudy Urine Urine of Red, Pink, or Brown Color Blood in Urine Pelvic Discomfort

The severity of your symptoms can fluctuate depending on the extent of your infection. It’s also possible to experience no symptoms at all.

How are UTIs Diagnosed?

Several tests can accurately diagnose urinary tract infections. Your Skyline Urology doctor may perform:

Urinalysis

The initial step in diagnosing a UTI typically involves a urine test. Using a sample of your urine, your doctor checks for bacteria and signs of infection.

Lab Culture

For this test, your doctor sends your urine to a lab, where it’s cultured to identify the specific bacteria causing your infection. This assists your doctor in determining the most effective treatment method.

Medical Imaging

A CT scan or MRI is utilized to produce images of your urinary tract. This is commonly used to identify abnormalities in patients who experience frequent UTIs.

Cystoscopy

For this test, your doctor inserts a tiny camera into your urethra to examine your urinary tract.

How are UTIs Treated?

Antibiotics successfully treat most UTIs. Simple infections typically resolve within a few days of treatment.

For individuals who experience frequent UTIs, your doctor can use several treatment methods to control your infections, including low-dose antibiotics. Severe infections require intravenous antibiotics and may even necessitate a hospital visit.