Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are especially common among women but can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Adam Shoman, MD, FACOG, diagnoses and treats women with UTIs at Elite OBGYN in Hackensack, New Jersey. If you think you may have a UTI, call or book an appointment online.
Your urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can develop anywhere along this path, but most infections occur in the bladder or urethra.
Although infections limited to your bladder can be painful or irritating, those that spread to the kidneys can cause serious problems. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment for a UTI as soon as possible.
UTIs don’t always cause signs and symptoms. When they do, symptoms may include:
Infections that spread to the kidneys may cause flu-like symptoms such as a fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Most UTIs occur when bacteria that typically live in your genital and anal areas get inside your urethra. Bacteria may spread during sexual activity, but you can get a UTI without having sex. Any situation that brings bacteria into contact with your urethra, such as wearing tight-fitting pants, can cause a UTI.
You may be more likely to develop a UTI if you:
Additionally, kidney stones or other blockages of your urinary tract increase your risk of getting a UTI.
First, Dr. Shoman performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. He may take a urinalysis test to check for signs of infection.
If you have frequent and recurrent UTIs, Dr. Shoman may examine your urinary tract with an ultrasound or cystoscopy, which involves inserting a thin tube with a lens inside your urethra.
Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotic medication. Dr. Shoman may also recommend home care methods, such as drinking lots of water and avoiding beverages that irritate your bladder, like coffee and alcohol.
Frequent UTIs may require additional treatment, such as estrogen therapy for menopausal women.
If you suspect you may have a UTI, don’t hesitate to call Elite OBGYN, P.C. or book an appointment online.
