Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection Q & A

What is a urinary tract infection? A urinary tract infection, known as a UTI, is an infection that affects any part of your urinary system. Most often, UTIs occur in the urethra and/or bladder. When left untreated, they can spread to the kidneys, where infections become a much more serious matter.

UTIs happen when bacteria enter your urinary tract. One of the most common culprits is e. Coli, a bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract. Once bacteria gets inside your urinary tract, if the body can’t fight it off, it thrives and you get an infection.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTI symptoms vary by the severity of the infection and where in your urinary tract it’s located (bladder, urethra, or kidneys).

Examples of bladder infection symptoms include:

• A frequent need to urinate
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pressure
• Blood in urine
• Lower abdomen pain

Examples of urethra infection symptoms include:

• Discharge
• A burning sensation with urination

Examples of kidney infection symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Side and upper back pain

Am I at risk for a urinary tract infection?

Some people are more at risk for UTIs than others. You are more at risk for a urinary tract infection if you:

• Are female
• Are sexually active
• Use a diaphragm or spermicidal birth control
• Have a blockage in your urinary tract, like a kidney stone
• Have entered menopause
• Possess a compromised immune system
• Wipe from back to front

To help lower your risk for a UTI, practice the following habits:

• Wipe from front to back
• Flush out bacteria by drinking plenty of fluids
• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products, like scented pads, tampons, or sprays

If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, don’t wait to get it treated. Book an appointment for a regular or urgent care visit at NAG Clinics. The caring staff at clinics in both locations can perform a quick test to see if you have an infection, and get you set up with medication that will make you start feeling better in no time.

To schedule an appointment, call the location nearest you or use the online booking tool today.