Your urinary tract consists of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which transports the urine outside of your body. Urine travels from your kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, where it’s stored until it leaves your body through your urethra. Urine can have bacteria in it that make you sick if they reach your bloodstream. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when this happens and results in inflammation of your bladder, urethra, and kidneys if untreated.
What You Can Do If you Think You Have An infection?
First, call and make an appointment to talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms. You can also stop by our office for a same-day appointment on most days. Bring with you any urine samples you have collected (if possible) so we can analyze them for bacteria or white blood cells that are usually present when someone has a UTI; if it’s not possible to bring urine samples, don’t worry about it—just let us know that you have some at home that we can collect later or when we see you at our office.
How Do Doctors Treat Urinary Tract Infections?
It’s no secret that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious and painful condition for many women. A UTI occurs when bacteria travel up from your bladder into your kidneys and ureters, creating inflammation and pain that you can feel all over your lower back or mid-lower abdomen area. At times, it can be so severe that you won’t even be able to get out of bed without feeling like your whole body is on fire. While there are numerous UTIs treatment options available on our website—many of which are holistic—it’s often hard to know what type of medicine is best for you and your UTI symptoms specifically.
An Infection Called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
Unfortunately, a urinary tract infection (or UTI) can be a recurrent problem for women and there’s no way to know ahead of time if you’ll have another. But there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting UTIs again, including Drinking plenty of water, especially when engaging in physical activity; Urinating after sex; Washing your hands frequently; Never using feminine products within one hour before or after intercourse; Being mindful that certain antibiotics may increase your risk of developing a UTIs (such as those taken for acne); and Evaluating how many sexual partners you’ve had and how often you’ve used condoms during sex.
What Happens During A Cystoscopy?
During a cystoscopy, your urologist will insert a tube called a cystoscope into your bladder via your urethra. This small device, which contains a camera and lens, allows your doctor to view structures inside your urinary tract as well as remove any obstructions that may be causing UTIs or other symptoms. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and requires no sedation or anesthetic (you’ll simply need to drink an antiseptic solution). Your urologist will numb one side of your urethra before inserting it into your bladder—just make sure you lie on your uninjured side so that you don’t accidentally contaminate yourself!
When Should I See My Doctor?
A UTI usually presents itself through one or more of a few common symptoms: frequent, urgent urination; pain during urination (especially upon first going to the bathroom); an inability to completely empty your bladder (leaving you feeling like you still have to go even after you’ve been to the restroom); fever, lower back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The best thing you can do is consult with your doctor if you suspect a UTI right away and let him or her determine whether it’s indeed an infection—which can cause some damage if left untreated for too long—or just a case of benign cystitis.
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What Kinds Of Tests Will Be Performed?
The usual tests performed during a urinary tract infection (UTI) evaluation include a complete history and physical exam, urinalysis, urine culture, and possibly imaging tests such as ultrasound or x-ray if there is suspicion of something other than a simple UTI present. The goal of treatment is to identify and eradicate bacteria from your system so it cannot keep causing symptoms. Your physician will discuss with you how best to accomplish that goal based on your specific situation, but most often involves using antibiotics for about three days (five to 10 days for more serious infections). If you’ve ever suffered from a UTI before, you’re aware of just how miserable they can be—don’t let one get away untreated! Take action immediately!
How long Will I Be In The Hospital?
The length of stay varies based on what procedure was done and if additional tests are needed to confirm a UTI diagnosis. We recommend patients plan on spending at least 1 night in our hospital as you are our number one priority while you stay with us and your recovery is our top priority. Our goal is to help you get better as quickly and efficiently as possible so that you can get back to your normal life with your friends, family, and work responsibilities. Some patients may be able to return home within 24 hours if all goes well after their first catheterization; others may need 3-4 nights depending on how their symptoms progress during their stay with us.
What Kind Of Follow-Up Care Should I Expect?
Some patients ask if they will be taken back to see their doctor after their urinalysis and treatment are complete. This is not necessary, as we are aware that many people have a hectic schedule and just want to treat UTIs quickly and effectively on their own time. That’s why we’ve created our very own UTI home care program: a comprehensive guide for self-treatment at home with no follow-up necessary. This ensures you can get rid of your UTIs fast, without having to come back for another appointment or make time for more tests or treatments during an already busy day (after all, you’re better now!).
What Will Happen After Surgery?
After surgery, patients may experience urinary retention and/or sexual dysfunction for a time period that varies from a few days to several weeks depending on specific circumstances surrounding their injury and surgery. Fortunately, we offer state-of-the-art treatments for both conditions at our practice. Patients are encouraged to seek postoperative care as early as possible so that we can provide them with optimal recovery protocols tailored specifically to their needs. We treat UTIs using antibiotics; however, given how frequently they occur, most women should consider permanent UTI treatment in St. John to avoid repeat infections entirely. By taking antibiotics every day under our watchful eye and reducing your risk of UTIs overall, we help you avoid those awkward moments altogether!