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UTI Specialist

The Women's Specialists of Fayette -  - Obstetrician & Gynecologist

The Women's Specialists of Fayette

Obstetricians & Gynecologists located in Fayetteville, GA & Peachtree City, GA

If you experience pain during urination or persistent discomfort in your lower back or pelvis, you may have a UTI. At The Women's Specialists of Fayette in Fayetteville, Georgia, the team of experienced physicians can quickly and accurately test for this type of infection, so treatment can begin fast. You can expect a custom treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you feel better as soon as possible. Learn more about the available treatment options today by calling the office or by using the online booking feature.

UTI Q & A

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that results when bacteria travel into your urinary tract. Due to the design of your body as a woman, you may be more susceptible to this type of infection than men.

Bacteria often enters the urinary tract due to improper bathroom hygiene or through sexual activity. The bacteria can settle anywhere in the tract, including in your:

  • Kidneys
  • Bladder
  • Urethra

As the infection develops, you experience a number of symptoms that can worsen if the condition is left untreated.

Why do I have a urinary tract infection?

UTIs can affect different parts of your urinary tract, including your bladder, urethra, and kidneys. You may develop an infection in one of these areas when bacteria enters it.

Bladder infections generally cause pelvic discomfort, blood in your urine, and pain when urinating.

Urethra infections typically cause discharge and a burning sensation while urinating.

A kidney infection is an emergency and must be treated right away. If you have pain in your upper back and flank, chills, nausea, high fever, and/or vomiting, please see your physician immediately.

Your doctor at The Women's Specialists of Fayette will determine the cause of your UTI and recommend treatment.

 

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is a burning sensation when you urinate. You may also experience symptoms like:

  • Low back pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate

In situations where bacteria settle into the kidneys, you may also experience fever, chills, and vomiting. A kidney infection is a serious medical emergency that needs treatment right away. Call The Women's Specialists of Fayette as soon as possible or visit the local emergency room.

What are the risk factors for urinary tract infections?

Women with a shorter urethra have a higher risk of developing a UTI. Other risk factors include:

  • Being sexually active
  • Using certain types of birth control such as diaphragms or spermicidal agents
  • Having gone through menopause
  • Having a urinary tract abnormality
  • Having a blockage in your urinary tract

What treatments are available for a UTI?

Your provider can administer a simple urine test to determine if your symptoms are the result of a UTI.

In many cases, a course of antibiotics will relieve your symptoms within a few days and ultimately clear the infection. It’s important you take the antibiotics as your physician recommends or your risk for recurrent infections and a worsening of symptoms increases.

If you’re prone to frequent UTIs, you may need low-dose antibiotic therapy for six months or longer. Women going through menopause may also benefit from vaginal estrogen therapy to reduce recurrent infections. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary after sexual activity to reduce your risk for developing a UTI.

How can I prevent a UTI?

To reduce your risk for a UTI, The Women's Specialists of Fayette recommends drinking plenty of water every day to flush bacteria from your urinary tract.

It’s also important that you use proper bathroom hygiene, wiping from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering your urinary tract. You should also make a point to urinate after intercourse to eliminate bacteria.

If you suspect you have a UTI, don’t delay treatment. Call the office or book an appointment online today to get tested.