A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, but most UTIs involve the bladder and the urethra. While the body has natural defenses to keep these organs sterile, microscopic invaders sometimes irritate them. UTIs may require medical attention to stop the spread of infection. Here’s more information on urinary tract infections and how they are diagnosed:
What Causes UTIs?
The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria, but these defenses sometimes fail. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection within the urinary tract.
What Are Some Common Causes?
A common cause of UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract, but other microorganisms may also be responsible. Sexual activity and certain birth control types can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Women are generally more prone to these infections because their urethras are shorter, allowing bacteria to reach the bladder more quickly. Hormonal changes from menopause can also alter the urinary tract’s natural defense mechanisms, causing infections.
How To Know You Have One?
Identifying a potential UTI early can prevent it from spreading to the kidneys. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected, but common indicators often manifest in the lower tract. A burning sensation during urination is a hallmark sign of a urinary tract infection. The urine itself may appear cloudy, red, bright pink, or cola-colored, signs of blood in the urine, and it may have a strong odor. You may experience a strong, persistent urge to urinate that does not yield much volume.
When Should You Visit a Specialist?
While primary care physicians can manage simple infections, certain situations require the expertise of a specialist, like a urologist. If you experience frequent infections, like two or more in six months or three or more in a year, specialized care is recommended to investigate underlying causes. A specialist should also be consulted if your symptoms persist despite antibiotic treatment.
Urinary infections can spread to the kidneys and become a serious health concern. Some signs of a kidney infection include upper back and side (flank) pain, high fever, shaking chills, nausea, and vomiting. Men who develop a UTI should almost always see a urologist, as these infections are rare in males. UTIs in men and people assigned male at birth often signal a structural abnormality or an obstruction, like an enlarged prostate.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Urologists utilize specific diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of an infection and determine an effective treatment plan. This diagnostic process typically begins with a urinalysis. In this test, a urine sample is analyzed for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. To identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, a urine culture may be performed. This allows the doctor to see which medications will be most effective against the specific organism present. Once diagnosed, the standard treatment for urinary tract infections is antibiotics.
Simple infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics, but complex cases may require longer treatment plans. For recurrent or complex infections, urologists may employ advanced imaging. An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can create images of your urinary tract to reveal stones, blockages, or structural abnormalities.
A cystoscopy may be recommended for some cases. This involves using a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) to see inside the urethra and bladder. The urologist will select a drug based on the specific bacteria found in your urine culture. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and flush out bacteria, but you must complete the full course of prescribed medication even if symptoms improve.
Learn More Urinary Tract Infection Services
Navigating a UTI can be challenging, but specialized care is available to support your health. Prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are fundamental for resolving urinary tract infections and preventing complications. If you’re experiencing recurrent symptoms, contact a urologist for a consultation to determine what treatments can improve your condition.
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