Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection, or a UTI, is an infection in the urinary system that is typically found in the bladder. Urinary tract infections are more often found in women than men.
A Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in the urinary system that is typically found in the bladder. Urinary tract infections are more often found in women than men. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be painful and uncomfortable but can be easily treated by Dr. Ashley Tapscott when caught early on. Dr. Ashley Tapscott is fellowship-trained at the Cleveland Clinic.
Schedule An Appointment
What are the Different Types of UTIs?
Urinary Tract Infections can be put into 3 types, the types of infections are classified by the area in the urinary tract where the infection is:
- Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis): severe kidney infection that includes symptoms such as high fever, bloody/cloudy ruine, and nausea and vomiting
- Bladder (cystitis): inflammation of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection, which typically results in frequent and painful urination
- Urethra (urethritis): burning urination with discharge
What are the Symptoms of a UTI?
It is important to stay vigilant of the following signs and symptoms of UTI to help identify if you have a urinary tract infection:
- A burning feeling when you urinate
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Fever or chills
- Pelvic pain (more common in women)
If you experience one or more of these common UTI symptoms, contact Dr. Tapscott as soon as possible to receive early intervention and treatment.
What are the Causes of a UTI?
The most common cause of a urinary tract infection is when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and spreads toward the bladder. This bacteria can quickly multiply to reach the point of becoming a serious infection of the urinary tract. If the infection is not treated, it may continue to affect the kidneys and their function. Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men because females have a shorter urethra, which allows for a quicker introduction of bacteria to the bladder.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Dr. Ashley usually treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics, though more substantial treatment may be needed if the infection has spread to other areas of the urinary system. Symptoms typically clear up within a few days of treatment, but it is often recommended to continue the antibiotics for up to a week or more. Pain medication may be prescribed in addition to the antibiotics to numb the bladder and urethra that often cause a very unpleasant burning sensation during urination when a UTI is present.
How Can You Prevent a UTI?
Follow these lifestyle tips to prevent urinary tract infections in the future:
- Drink plenty of water
- Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to urinate and ensure that you have emptied your bladder completely
- Wipe from front to back
- Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria
- Avoid feminine products that may irritate the urinary system or genital area
To find out what the best treatment is for you, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Tapscott:
Schedule An Appointment
