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The most common symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI) include:
Urinary incontinence may also be a symptom, particularly in older women. The most common type of UTI affects the lower part of the urinary tract and may also be referred to as a bladder infection, acute cystitis, or "honeymoon cystitis."
In most cases, the doctors
can treat and cure UTIs
quickly and easily. An untreated infection, however, can become a serious condition involving the kidneys. In pregnant women, untreated UTIs can affect the pregnancy and may cause premature labor. In older women, UTIs can be more serious and more difficult to cure.
The doctor will usually prescribe oral antibiotics for a
UTI. In older women, UTIs are more likely to cause kidney infections.
Therefore, women over 50 may need to take antibiotics for a longer time,
or may need to be given antibiotics by injection.
In general, the best antibiotic for a UTI will cure the infection and have few side effects. The decision to prescribe one medication over another is usually made after considering several factors, including antibiotic effectiveness, side effects, cost, and the possibility that the bacteria may be resistant to the medicine. Your doctor will probably ask several questions to make sure that the selected medication is the best choice for you. Among other things, your doctor will need to know if you:
As with all medications, antibiotics can cause side effects. Most are minor and do not last long. Side effects can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, or sensitivity to light. Some patients are allergic to certain antibiotics, which can cause skin rashes or other reactions. Antibiotics sometimes affect the levels of bacteria normally found in the body, which may result in diarrhea or a yeast infection. There are some other, more serious side effects, but they are rare; ask your physician about them. As a partner in your own health care, you should learn about possible side effects associated with antibiotics, and let your doctor or pharmacist know about any side effects immediately, especially if you are concerned, or if the side effects last more than a couple of days. Your doctor may suggest another treatment. Always discuss your treatment with your doctor and pharmacist, and ask for written information about your prescribed medicine.
Oral (by mouth) antibiotic therapy may be prescribed for up to 2 weeks or longer, depending on the medication. Drink a lot of fluids with any antibiotic during the course of your treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription bottle carefully, since some medications should be taken with food and others on an empty stomach. Be sure to finish all the prescribed medication as instructed, even if you feel better in a couple of days. This is very important. If you stop taking your medicine before the prescription is finished, the bacteria causing the infection may remain, and you risk getting another infection. For isolated or infrequent infections, the doctor may prescribe 1-3 days of treatment. For more frequent infections, longer courses of treatment (sometimes from 6-8 weeks) are often needed. What Else Can I Do?Call your doctor if you think that the prescribed medicine is not working. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, and return to the doctor's for a follow-up visit to ensure that the infection is gone. Antibiotics sometimes affect the levels of bacteria normally found in your body, which may result in yeast infections, so ask your doctor what to do to restore this balance. Along with the oral antibiotic treatment, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever (analgesic) or a medication to ease the cramping (antispasmodic). Hot water bottles or heating pads can relieve discomfort.
The following tips may help prevent UTIs:
If you are menopausal or postmenopausal, ask your doctor about treatment for thinning vaginal and/or urethral lining, which increases the risk of bladder infection. Sexually active women should take steps to reduce risk of infection. You and your partner should wash your hands, pubic hair, and external genitalia before sexual intercourse. Urinate before and after intercourse. Monitor your sexual positions, and avoid positions or activities that seem to cause UTIs. Spermicidal gels and poorly fitting diaphragms may increase the chances of UTIs. You may want to ask your doctor whether another form of birth control is more appropriate for you. What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?UTIs occur more frequently in women than in men. They are caused by bacteria normally found in and around the vagina and in the lower bowel. In women, the opening to the lower bowel (anus) is very close to the opening of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The closeness of these openings makes it relatively easy for bacteria from the vagina and anus to enter the urethra and travel the short distance to the bladder. Bacteria also can be pushed into the urethra by the movement of the penis during sexual intercourse.
Some experts estimate that 43% of women between the ages of 14 and 61 have had at least one UTI. These infections are more common in women who are sexually active, in women aged 20 to 50, and in those who have diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Should I See a Doctor?You should see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Several conditions, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), have symptoms similar to a UTI but require different treatments. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and may also ask for a urine sample to test for an infection. (A urine sample is not mandatory if the infection is infrequent or rare). A urine sample is required if the infections are recurrent and/or frequent. If you have chronic symptoms that do not respond to antibiotics, ask your doctor about the possibility of a less common condition. If you get a positive result on one of the home tests that are available, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Your Urinary Tract System Protects You from InfectionsThe urinary tract rids the body of liquid wastes. Urine is filtered through the kidneys, then passes through the ureters to the bladder, and then out through the urethra. Urinary tract health is important for women of all ages to prevent infections and to enable them to continue to have fulfilling sexual relations. Women who have a UTI may experience some or all of the following signs or symptoms:
Call your doctor if you have any of the above signs or symptoms.
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