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.