Urinary Tract Infection Treatment in Fort Worth, TX
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the cause of over seven million visits to the doctor’s office per year; they account for roughly 5% of all visits to primary care physicians. Around 40% of women and 40% of men will experience a symptomatic instance of urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetimes.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in the urinary system that is typically found in the bladder. Urinary tract infections are more often found in women than men. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be painful and uncomfortable but can be easily treated by one of our physicians when caught early on.
Experiencing the discomfort of a UTI? Don’t wait – call the Texas Center for Urology at (817) 871-9069 now! Our board-certified urologists in Fort Worth, TX, are here to provide swift relief and expert care for your urinary tract infection. Early treatment is key to a speedy recovery, so reach out today for personalized care you can trust.
Signs and Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
The Symptoms
If you have a UTI, you will find that the bladder and the urethra become red and irritated in a similar way to how your throat does if you have a cold. This might cause you pain in your abdomen and pelvic area, and it might also make you feel that you need to empty your bladder more frequently. When you try to urinate, you might only produce a few drops and experience an unpleasant burning sensation as urine comes out. You may find that your urine smells unpleasant and is cloudy. Sometimes, you might also lose control of your urine.
It is important to stay vigilant of the following signs and symptoms to help identify if you are in fact suffering from a urinary tract infection:
- A burning feeling when you urinate
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Fever or chills
- Pelvic pain (more common in women)
If you experience one or more of these common UTI symptoms, contact the Texas Center for Urology as soon as possible to receive early intervention and treatment at our office in Fort Worth, TX.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections
- Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis): a severe kidney infection that includes symptoms such as high fever, bloody/cloudy urine, and nausea and vomiting
- Bladder (cystitis): inflammation of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection, which typically results in frequent and painful urination
- Urethra (urethritis): burning urination with discharge
Kidney Infections
Kidney infections are a condition that needs to be treated quickly. They can often cause fevers as well as back pain. These infections must be treated as soon as possible, as a kidney infection could easily spread to the bloodstream. When this happens, it can become a life-threatening condition.
Simple or Complicated
There are two kinds of UTIs: simple or complicated. Simple UTIs are infections that have occurred in normal urinary tracts. Complicated UTIs occur in abnormal urinary tracts. Complicated UTIs might also mean that the bacterium causing the infection is resistant to antibiotic medications.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
The most common cause of a urinary tract infection is when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and spreads toward the bladder. This bacteria can quickly multiply to reach the point of becoming a serious infection of the urinary tract. If the infection is not treated, it may continue on to affect the kidneys and their function.
Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men due to the fact that females have a shorter urethra, which allows for a quicker introduction of bacteria to the bladder.
How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed?
A urine sample will be collected when you exhibit symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Diagnosis involves examining the urine sample through a microscope to detect any signs of infection. Cultures of the sample are analyzed to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection so appropriate treatment can be provided.
What Is the Treatment for an Urinary Tract Infection?
Our physicians usually treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics, though more substantial treatment may be needed if the infection has spread to other areas of the urinary system. Symptoms typically clear up within a few days of treatment, but it is often recommended to continue the antibiotics for up to a week or more.
Pain medication may be prescribed in addition to the antibiotics in order to numb the bladder and urethra which often cause a very unpleasant burning sensation during urination when a UTI is present.
How Can I Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?
Follow these lifestyle tips in order to prevent urinary tract infections in the future:
- Drink plenty of water
- Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate and ensure that you have emptied your bladder completely
- Wipe from front to back
- Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria
- Avoid feminine products that may irritate the urinary system or genital area
Schedule a UTI Appointment in Fort Worth, TX Today
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection or have any additional questions on prevention, contact our board-certified urologists in Fort Worth, TX today at (817) 871-9069.