Urinary Tract Infections / Prostatitis

What are Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are truly a burden on your urinary system. These infections include any infections of any part of the system including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most urinary tract infections are going to be treated with antibiotics. Women are at a higher risk of a UTI than men. If you suspect that you have a UTI you must see your doctor as soon as you can. UTIs can be painful and have a straightforward treatment plan, and if left untreated more serious issues can occur.

What are the Signs of Urinary Tract Infections?

Although there are multiple symptoms for Urinary Tract Infections, they may not show any signs for a long period of time. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your Urologist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible:

Burning sensation while urinating.
Urinary urgency; Sometimes no urine passes.
Cloudy-looking urine.
Any sign of blood within the urine.
Urine that possesses a foul or strong smell.
Pain or pressure in the pelvic area as well as your lower back.

Remember, these signs could also be your body notifying you of a much more serious underlying problem. Contact your Urologist as soon as you can if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Prevention

There are a lot of ways one can get a UTI and with that, there are ways to help prevent them from happening. UTIs can be an extremely painful and disruptive inconvenience.

If you are a woman is it advised that you urinate after sexual intercorse. This will allow any bacteria that has come in contact with the opening of the urethra to be flushed out.
Stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking enough water each day so your urine isn't as saturated.
Don't wait too long to go to the bathroom. Holding your urination for a prolonged period of time can cause not only inflammation but a UTI.
Make sure you are wearing clean underwear and properly cleaning your genitals daily.
If you are getting constant UTIs make sure to talk to your doctor. This could be a sign of more serious issues such as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis, or an issue with bacteria.

Treatment

You will need to see a doctor to get the proper diagnosis of a UTI. This is a simple test that is done in the office. All you have to do is urinate in a cup and your urine can be tested in the office and also be sent to the lab to perform a urine culture if needed. If you are unable to urinate a catheter can be inserted to remove not only the urine and pressure you are feeling but to also get a sample of urine to test for an infection. Once it is determined that you have a UTI you will be prescribed antibiotics. Along with the anti-biotics you may take anti-inflammatories or a medication called Pyridium to help relieve any pain that may be experienced. If your symptoms have not resolved after taking all the antibiotics prescribed to you, make sure to call your doctor immediately. It is also advised to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. The more hydrated you are the less saturated your urine will be in your bladder. This will make the process less painful. You can consume cranberry juice, however contrary to popular belief cranberry juice or juice, in general, can be a bladder irritant. You can take cranberry supplements that may help with an irritated bladder.

If a UTI is not treated in time it can progress to a more serious and painful issue. When left untreated, the infection from a UTI can actually move throughout the body—becoming very serious and even life-threatening. If you do not treat a bladder infection, it may turn into a kidney infection, which can then result in a more serious infection that's moved into the bloodstream.

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland that usually results in swelling and inflammation. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostatitis may sometimes cause painful or difficult urination. If the cause is bacterial, then this will be treated with antibiotics.

What are the Symptoms of Prostatitis?

Based on the actual cause of prostatitis, the signs and symptoms may vary greatly. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Pain or discomfort when urinating
Urge to urinate without the ability to urinate.
Pelvic or groin pain.
Back and lower abdomen pain.
Blood in your semen.
Painful ejaculation

Your urinary and sexual health is essential to your well-being. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Patient Feedback for Z Urology

Our patients are the reason we strive for exceptional urological care and treatment! Here’s what some of our South Florida patients are saying about their experience at our clinics.

I have recommended many people to this office and each one has thanked me. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best), Dr. Z and his staff are a 12.
– Alex S.
The wait was not long. I was greeted by a friendly nurse who took my sonogram of the kidneys and bladder. The doctor came in after a short time. Dr. Hollowell has a gentle voice and great bedside manner. He is very informative about my issues and I left feeling relieved and hopeful for future visits. The receptionists were also helpful and friendly. I recommend this office. Just wish it was closer to home.
– Allison T.
"I found Doctor Varghese through my insurance provider network and read reviews in Healthgrades. Dr. Varghese is terrific. She explains things so they are easy to understand. I feel she is on top of several medical problems I’m having. I had a cystoscopy and was offered nitric oxide (mild gas). It was perfect. I have had the procedure in the past but it was the most uncomfortable feeling I ever experienced. Not this time. Doctor Varghese is an excellent listener and remembers what I tell her from the previous visits.

Let me sum up my feelings about being under Dr. Varghese's care. I have new health insurance now so I can see doctors near my home, but instead I’ll continue to drive 75 miles each way to and from Pompano Beach to Stuart, FL [to see her].”
– Jeffery P.
“I've been coming here for cancer for 10 years and I've had nothing but good visits every time. Staff is friendly and the doctors and PA'S are great. Dr. Z takes the time to ask questions and explain everything. He is amazing.”

– Bill S.
“El Dr. Pedro Espino Grosso es un médico especialista en Urología es también especialista en entender, comprender y atender la preocupación de su paciente. Gracias por su profesionalismo como para todo el staff y las enfermeras por su amable y compasivo trato. Por favor no cambien!”
– Ana L.
I have new health insurance now so I can see doctors near my home, but instead, I’ll continue to drive 75 miles each way to and from Pompano Beach to Stuart, FL to visit Z Urology!
– Jeffery P.
“Dr. Mini Varghese of Z Urology is without a doubt the best Urologist in South Florida. She not only takes care of my father but now she's taking care of all my needs too. The team she has behind her at Z Urology is amazing, they go up and beyond their call of duty. A big shoutout to Z Urology in Pompano Beach, FL, thanks for keeping the pipes flowing...you gals are the Best!!!! Thanks Dr. Varghese.”
– Brent S.
“Dr. Brar was awesome! He was very thorough with everything to ensure we got to the bottom of my issue! I felt like he cared and listened. I will be going back. The office was busy and some people were waiting a while but I was seen fairly quickly, I did fill out all the paperwork ahead of time so not sure if that helped! The person who helped me at the front desk was great and helped me with all my questions.”
– Britney C.
Everyone seemed nice, friendly and welcoming. I was also impressed with the examination and the way the staff treated me. Dr. Mike took the time with me to listen and advise me as to what treatment plan might be needed.
– Jimmy Z.
Great specialist, hard to find a more personable and efficient medical office anywhere else. I was welcome from the moment I came in, everyone was very friendly and all my questions and needs were expertly attended to. Never been to a urologist so this was new to me, but I definitely felt comfortable and heard. It was a drive from neighboring Miami but well worth it. Highly recommend. Thanks, Dr. Z!
– Jose T.
Thank you Dr. Michael Zahalsky for the surgery, you changed my life completely. I'm so happy, now no more pain and I'm feeling better than ever, thanks again for the great staff in your office. Very professional. Felt like family.
– Frank C.
They are very friendly. My surgeon went through the same procedure and read my mind of all my concerns. He reassured me everything would be okay and life would go on.
– Jeremy C.
Three words: Kind, Caring and Compassionate! This office is the best of the best. The front desk employees are super friendly and the doctors are professional and spoke to me in a down-to-earth & making it easier for me to understand what was going on. I am able to make informed decisions with the material that was provided to me.
– A.D.Z.
I had a great first visit with Dr. Z and his staff. I was seen within a reasonable amount of time. Dr. Z was personable and, after hearing my history and doing a targeted physical exam, directed his staff to perform ultrasound and bladder testing which was done efficiently and with discretion. Dr. Z then came in and spent a good amount of time explaining a clinical treatment plan. I left feeling I was in the hands of a total professional office from the top down.
– Harvey A.
Z urology is the best and I have to say Dr. Zahalsky is extremely knowledgeable and such a humble and pleasant human being. I always feel welcome at Z Urology.
– Kimaro W.

Z Urology

Urinary Tract Infections