How to Treat and Avoid UTI’s

Ways To Avoid UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of those common problems that no one likes to discuss.

UTIs are infections in any part of your urinary system, including your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Up to half of all women and 10% of men will experience a UTI during their lifetime.

People typically know they have a UTI because they experience one or more of the typical symptoms:

• A burning sensation when you pee.
• A frequent urge to pee, even when little comes out when you go to the bathroom
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
• A feeling of tiredness or shakiness
• Fever or chills
• Pain or pressure in your back or abdomen

What causes UTIs

UTIs are a key reason why doctors tell women to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Wiping front to back allows bacteria from a bowel movement to travel to your bladder and can go on to infect your kidneys.

Other things can also cause UTIs. Some forms of birth control can increase the risk. For example, spermicides can cause skin irritations that allow bacteria to invade; and some condoms may cause irritation which can help bacteria grow.

If something feels wrong, get tested

If you suspect a UTI, go to the doctor and get tested. A lab can check a urine sample for UTI-causing bacteria. If you get frequent UTIs and your doctor suspects a problem in your urinary tract, they might recommend an ultrasound or CT scan. Or they may recommend a cystoscopy, which uses a flexible device to look inside your urethra and bladder.

Treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. Make sure to take all your prescribed medicine, even after you feel better. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve pain caused by the UTI.

Other things that may help include:

• Drinking plenty of water to help flush the bacteria from your body.
• Using a heating pad to alleviate discomfort.
• Drinking cranberry juice, which may help to prevent or treat UTIs. A few studies suggest the berry contains a tannin that might prevent
• coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder, where the bacteria can cause an infection.

Get the care you need 

Dealing with UTIs is not something you should do alone. Whether you need a checkup, treatment for an illness, or help managing a chronic condition, Grady’s primary care physicians are here to help. Book your appointment online at gradyhealth.org, through MyChart, or call (404) 616-1000. With convenient locations across metro Atlanta, you’ll have access to expert primary care and Grady’s full network of specialty services.