Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when harmful bacteria invade any part of the urinary system. This includes the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder and urethra.

What causes a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. Additional factors that can increase your risk for UTIs include:

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics
• Poor personal hygiene
• Sexual activity
• Certain forms of birth control, like a diaphragm or spermicides
• Menopause
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Compromised immune function

Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable, but they aren’t usually dangerous. However, an untreated UTI could spread to your kidneys, and this can cause severe complications.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

If you have a UTI, you may not have any symptoms. When a UTI does cause symptoms, you might experience:

• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Difficulty urinating
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency
• Frequent urination
• Strong-smelling urine
• Abnormal discharge
• Pelvic pain or discomfort

If you notice blood in your urine or your urine appears pink, red, or dark brown, you may have a urinary tract infection.

How does an OB/GYN diagnose a urinary tract infection?

If the team at Swor Women’s Care suspects you have a UTI, they’ll collect a urine sample, which they send to a lab to be analyzed for signs of infection. 

If you have frequent UTIs, the team may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan, an MRI, or a cystoscopy to determine if you have an underlying condition that is contributing to your chronic urinary tract infections. 

What are treatments for urinary tract infections?

Most urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics, and they usually clear up in a short time after you begin taking the medication. If you have pain, your provider can prescribe medication to make you more comfortable.

If you have persistent UTIs, you may need a longer course of antibiotics and/or additional medications, or you may need to address an underlying health condition that is increasing your risk for urinary tract infections.

To learn more, call Swor Women's Care or schedule an appointment online today.