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Overview. The urinary tract consists of
the kidneys (which make the urine), ureter tubes (which carry
the urine to the bladder), the bladder (which stores the urine)
and the urethra (the short tube that passes the urine out
of the body). Approximately one in five women will experience
an UTI sometime in her life. In general they are not an overly
serious condition and can usually be successfully treated
with antibiotics.
There are three types of UTI that affect different parts
of the urinary tract. Pyelonephritis is an infection of the
kidneys. Cystitis in an infection of the bladder. Urethritis
is an infection of the urethra.
Symptoms. The first sign of an UTI may be
sudden urge to urinate that results in a burning pain when
the urine is released. Increased frequency is another indicator
of an UTI. Also, if the urine is dark or cloudy in color or
has a strong and unusual odor to it, there may be an UTI occurring.
A physical exam plus a urinalysis can usually lead to a proper
diagnosis of the UTI. In some cases a more involved examination
called a cystoscopy (in which a flexible tube with a viewing
device is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder
and urinary tract) is performed. Your provider will determine
the appropriate diagnostic level necessary to properly identify
the problem.
Treatment. Your age, medical health, other
medications you may be taking, the extent of the disease and
any known allergies will be reviewed with you as you and your
provider discuss a treatment plan that is satisfactory to
you. There are a wide array of antibiotics available for you
to use.
Additionally, there are a number of simple changes to your
daily life that can help prevent UTI’s from re-occurring:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Drink cranberry juice (the vitamin C limits the growth
of some bacteria)
- Take showers instead of tub (bubble) baths
- Cleanse the genital area before and after sex
- Practice good hygiene, wipe from the front to the back
Usually UTI’s clear up within a few days of treatment. You
should, however, take the entire course of the antibiotic
as prescribed by your provider.
If you continue to have UTI’s on a frequent basis in spite
of the antibiotics and the changes to your daily life outlined
above, there may be something else going on in your urinary
tract. You should see your provider for further examination
and testing.
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