What is a UTI?
UTI stands for a Urinary Tract Infection, which are caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract and then travels up to the urethra and then into the bladder. When the bacteria enter the bladder it can cause inflammation and an infection of the bladder. The bacteria can multiply causing irritation, swelling and pain and if left untreated can travel to the kidneys, which could possibly cause a kidney infection. This is much more serious. UTI’s can be quite uncomfortable when you try to urinate, due to the burning and the sensation of needing to go often, even if you only can release a small stream. If your symptoms last more than a day, it is most certainly time to see a urologist as soon as possible.
Why do Women have More UTI’s Than Men?
Urinary tract infections seem to be more common in women than in children or men. For women there are a number of reasons why they may experience a UTI such as: diabetes or an abnormal urinary tract, having medical device inserted into the urethra such as a catheter and sexual contact can be a cause.
When a man has recurrent urinary tract infections it may be a sign that they have an abnormal urinary system. This needs to be a medical problem which should be checked by a urologist, especially if there is blood in the urine.
Your Diagnosis and Treatment
Your urologist will examine a sample of your urine under a microscope to observe for infection. Often the urologist will request a urine culture to be performed, where your urine sample bacterium is processed in a laboratory and is grown to determine the type of bacteria which has caused the UTI. During this testing they can choose the approximate medication which can treat the bacteria. Most often this will be an antibiotic, you will take either for a few days or several weeks, depending on the type of infection you have and how severe it has become.
After a few doses, you may notice some relief in a day or two and a lessened sensation to urinate often. It is important to continue taking the medication until you have completed the course of treatment. If you stop too soon or as soon as you feel better, a urinary tract infection can return.
If you have followed your urologists orders and still have discomfort or a need to urinate often, call us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist in New York City.