Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. It’s estimated that half of women and 1 in 10 men will have a UTI in their lifetime. They can occur in your bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra and can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
Daniel Kushner, MD, is a skilled and compassionate OB/GYN who provides a safe, welcoming medical environment so you can get the care you need to stay healthy. At his offices in Queens and White Plains, New York, Dr. Kushner offers a full spectrum of gynecological medical care.
Dr. Kushner provides diagnosis and treatment of UTIs and also can help you understand the causes so you can avoid getting them. It’s important to get a UTI diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to relieve your discomfort and prevent it from getting worse. Here, we discuss the signs of a UTI.
On its way to exit your body, your urine travels through your kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. When bacteria gets into any of these areas, it can grow and spread, causing a urinary tract infection.
It’s important to learn the signs of a UTI so that you can get it treated as soon as possible, relieving your discomfort and preventing it from getting even worse.
Urinary tract infections cause more than burning urination. A number of other symptoms and signs can indicate that you have a UTI.
If you notice that your urine looks or smells different, it could be a sign that you have a urinary tract infection. Urine that is very dark or cloudy or has an especially strong or unusual odor could indicate an infection. It’s best to get it checked out by your doctor.
If you feel the need to urinate frequently or especially urgently even when you haven’t been drinking a lot of liquids, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. The inflammation caused by a UTI can cause you to have to go often, even if very little urine comes out.
Certain types of pain can indicate that you might have a UTI. This includes back pain and cramping or pressure in your pelvic area. If you have any unexplained pain, get examined by a doctor to find the cause in order to get treatment to relieve your discomfort.
A fever or unexplained chills could be a sign of a UTI. A fever may indicate that your immune system is trying to fight off an infection, and this can cause you to feel hot and cold even when you should feel comfortable. Similarly, fatigue is frequently a sign of your body trying to fight off an infection caused by a UTI.
To determine if you have a UTI, Dr. Kushner asks you about your symptoms, and he takes a urine sample for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Typically, he prescribes antibiotics as the most effective treatment for a UTI.
If you’re concerned that you have a UTI, or if you have any other gynecological concerns, call either one of our offices to set up an appointment or use our online request tool.
