Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Bladder infections

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary Tract Infections are common infections that happen when an abnormal growth of bacteria, commonly from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infects the bladder.

They are more common in women because the urethra (the tube that lets urine leave the body) is short. This allows bacteria from the colon and vagina to enter the urinary tract.

What are risk factors of developing a urinary tract infection?

Sexually active
Pregnancy
Menopause
Diabetes
Urinary Retention
Catheterization
Urinary incontinence
Personal Hygiene

What are symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Some common symptoms include:

Burning with urination
Frequency
Urgency
Pressure
Pelvic pain- around the pubic bone and lower belly area
Urine that looks cloudy
Blood in the urine

Diagnosis

Your doctor visit will likely include:

Questions about your health
Review of your symptoms
Physical examination
Sample of your urine to evaluate with urinalysis or urine culture

How can I get tested for a UTI?

We know how difficult it is to wait to be evaluated for a UTI. It is common to have to wait weeks in pain and get the wrong antibiotics.