Do you have foul-smelling or irregularly colored urine or vaginal discharge? Are you lightheaded or dizzy? Do you have a fever or chills? Are you hydrating? Have you had anything like this before? How many times? Have you ever been hospitalized for urinary problems? Have you ever had kidney stones? Are you sexually active? Do you use protection during sex? If so, what kind? Is there any possibility you have a sexually transmitted disease STI? Is it possible you're pregnant? They are more likely to occur in women, but they can affect men as well.
So, how can you tell when you need to seek UTI treatment? Since UTIs are a bacterial infection, the most effective way to eradicate them is to take antibiotics. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your OBGYN, especially if you are experiencing several of these symptoms at the same time:.
If you make an appointment as soon as you notice signs of UTI , you should experience relief within a few days. Symptoms of UTIs typically improve within two to three days of starting an antibiotic. Many doctors will prescribe antibiotic therapy for at least three days.
It is very common for a pregnant woman to contract a UTI. A growing fetus often puts pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, which can trap bacteria and cause urine to leak. And as early as six weeks into the pregnancy, most women experience ureteral dilation—the expansion of the urethra that continues throughout the pregnancy. A larger urinary tract, in conjunction with increased bladder volume and decreased bladder tone, can mean your urine stays in your urethra longer, which gives bacteria a chance to grow.
These risk factors are amplified by the fact that when a woman is pregnant, her urine becomes more concentrated. If you don't have insurance, you still have options.
This can include urgent care centers, HRSA health centers , county clinics, and Planned Parenthood facilities that charge a sliding scale based on your current income. It can be so tempting to just call your gyno and say "Hey, UTI here, can you call me in some pills, please?
Abraham says. If you're not sure if it's a UTI, over-the-counter dipsticks may be able to confirm it for you. These tests look for two factors that point to a UTI: leukocyte esterase an enzyme released by leukocytes and nitrite which signifies a bacteria's presence in the urine , according to Dr.
Keep in mind that these tests aren't a guarantee, but they might be helpful if you're on the fence about going to the doctor. Loanzon says. Over-the-counter UTI strips can be inaccurate as they could have outlived their shelf dating and are not tested daily to ensure accuracy like the ones in the office.
And if the pain and burning is unbearable, there are OTC pain relievers that specifically target UTI-related pain, like Cystex with the active ingredient sodium salicylate and Azo with the active ingredient phenazopyridine hydrochloride. These are not UTI cures, which is important to remember because you might feel much better after taking them. There are multiple factors that trigger recurrent infections such as bacteria entering the urethra, menopause, coitus, etc. Wiping front and back after urinating, drinking plenty of water is the best way to keep yourself safe.
However, it is best to consult a gynecologist and understand why you witness recurrent UTIs. We use cookies to to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies.
Chat with a gynecologist online regarding Urinary Tract Infections. How do I know if I have a urine infection? What causes UTI?
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