Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection occurs when a microorganism, like bacteria, enters your bladder, kidneys, or urethra and causes inflammation. Anyone can experience a urinary tract infection, but they’re most common in women.

If you experience pelvic pain or difficulty urinating, seek treatment immediately. A combination of antibiotics and healthy lifestyle changes can prevent the condition from worsening.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• A strong urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Cloudy urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently

You might also experience pelvic pain or pain around your pubic bone as the infection spreads.

What causes a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection can occur for various reasons, including:

Urethritis

Urethritis occurs when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, like E. coli, make it into your urethra (the tube where urine exits your body). Urethritis is especially common in women because their urethra is located next to the anus.

Cystitis

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter your bladder, causing an infection. Like urethritis, cystitis often occurs due to gastrointestinal bacteria. You can reduce your risk of cystitis by wiping from front to back. 

Who might experience a urinary tract infection?

Several factors may increase your risk of a urinary tract infection, including:

• Having female anatomy
• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm or spermicide as birth control
• Being post-menopausal

You’re also more likely to experience a urinary tract infection if you have a urinary tract abnormality.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center diagnoses a urinary tract infection during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they order several tests, including urinalysis and ultrasound. Urinalysis analyzes a sample of your urine for the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of your bladder and urinary system.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?

Treatment of a urinary tract infection depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center might prescribe:

• Trimethoprim
• Fosfomycin 
• Nitrofurantoin 
• Cephalexin
• Ceftriaxone

If you experience urinary tract infections regularly, you might benefit from low-dose antibiotics or vaginal estrogen therapy (if you’re post-menopausal).

To receive treatment for a urinary tract infection, make an appointment at Tacoma Urgent Care and Wellness Center by calling the nearest office or booking online today.