How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection is a UTI. It is caused by germs getting into the urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urethra is a tube at the bottom of the bladder. Urine flows out of this tube. The germs enter the urethra and then spread in the bladder. Urinary tract infections are much more common in women.

Types of urinary tract infections

• Bladder infection is when the lower urinary tract is infected.
• Kidney infection is in the upper urinary tract.

Signs of Urinary Tract Infection

• Pain during urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Urinating more frequently
• Soreness over the bladder or lower abdominal muscles
• Strong odor
• Cloudy Urine
• Blood in urine

 Signs and symptoms that may indicate a further spread of infection to kidney or blood may present as:

• Back pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
  If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider right away. Kidney infections are serious. They need to be treated promptly.

How can UTIs be prevented?

After a bowel movement or after urinating, wipe from front to back.
Wash the skin around the anus and the genital area.
Avoid using douches, powder, and deodorant sprays.
Drink plenty of fluids (including water) to flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge or about every 2–3 hours.
Try to empty your bladder before and after sex.
Wear underwear with a cotton crotch.

Treatment or Urinary Tract Infections

If you are experiencing any common symptoms of UTIs or suspect you may have a UTI, your best course of action is to get a urine test with Vitality Urgent and Primary Care. Our team will help assess the seriousness of the infection and, if necessary, prescribe an appropriate course of antibiotics. This will keep the infection from spreading to the kidneys, where it can become serious or even life-threatening.

Vitality Urgent and Primar Care House Calls are open extended hours seven days a week, 365 days a year, making it easy and convenient to get help for a wide range of women’s health needs. Simply call schedule an appointment online and our team member well be seeing you in 1 hour.