Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is UTI?

The urinary system is composed of kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTI happens when is a growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.

Urinary tract infection is very common in women, babies, and the elderly. Women’s urethra is shorter than men’s, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder

Around 1 in 2 women will get UTI in their lifetime. While for men, around 1 in 20 men will get a urinary tract infection in their lifetime.

 There are different types of urinary tract infections, and this can depend on which part of the urinary tract is infected.

• Pyelonephritis is an upper infection in the urinary tract. This is a very serious infection because as it may affect the kidneys.
• Cystitis is an infection in the bladder which is the most common lower urinary tract infection. It causes the bladder lining to become raw and swollen.

What are the causes of urinary tract infections?

 When bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, they can cause a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections can be caused by many germs. The most common germ causing urinary tract infection (UTI) is found in the digestive system, E. coli (Escherichia coli). The E.coli (Escherichia coli) can easily spread to the urethra. The germs stick to the lining of the urinary system.

Germs such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia can cause urethritis and can be passed on during sexual intercourse. So, both partners need medical treatment to avoid reinfection. For some people, the risk for infections is higher when the urinary flow is being blocked or when the urine flows back up from the bladder to the kidneys.

What are the symptoms if you have urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Usually, the first sign of UTI is a faint prickly feeling during urination.

The symptoms may include the following

• Frequent urge to urinate, but too little of urine comes out
• Heavy feeling in the lower belly.
• Waking in the night to urinate.
• Pain in the lower back or sides.
• Urine that smells bad 
• Urine that looks dark, cloudy, pinkish, or red
• Tiredness, fever, and chills.

What can be done?

A urine sample will be tested. Other tests may be done if the infection has spread, or if you have had many UTIs. 

 UTIs can be treated cured with antibiotics. It is advised to always finish antibiotic treatment. If you have frequent UTI, pregnant, diabetes, and if the UTI has already spread to your kidneys, longer treatment may be needed. 

If you have UTI symptoms and if you’re seeking for UTI treatment call us today and schedule an appointment. Desert Sky Urology is based in Chandler, AZ.