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While both men and women can contract a urinary tract infection (UTI), female anatomy puts women at greater risk. That’s why UTIs are largely considered a women’s health issue and are therefore treated by specialists like OBGYNs. Before you decide to schedule a visit with your doctor, however, discover how to tell whether a UTI could be the root cause of your symptoms.

A Comprehensive Guide to UTIs

What Are the Symptoms?

A UTI impacts the urinary system, including the bladder and the urethra, which transports urine out of the body. Pain and burning during urination are among the most common symptoms associated with a UTI. Patients may also experience a frequent urge to urinate, and the feeling of needing to urinate even after they’ve just gone.

Additionally, you may notice symptoms such as bloody, foul-smelling, or cloudy urine. Soreness in the lower abdominal region, sides, or back can also occur. If these symptoms are accompanied by fever, vomiting, chills, or intense pain in the mid-back, it could indicate a kidney infection, which warrants immediate medical attention.

How Are They Treated?

women's healthWhile they can be serious if left unaddressed, UTIs are often easy to treat. Your women’s health care provider will ask for a urine sample, which will then be tested for bacteria in the lab. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to address the infection. The type and duration of your medication will depend on the type of bacteria in your urine.

How Can You Prevent Them?

Certain birth control methods, including diaphragms and spermicide-treated condoms can lead to bacterial development, so talk to your women’s health expert about alternatives. Emptying your bladder after intercourse, drinking plenty of fluids, and wiping from front to back will also help prevent infection.

 

If you suspect you could have a UTI or any other women’s health issue, visit the caring team at TTNYD & D OBGYN. Located in the Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, HI, this team of healthcare providers offers personalized services for women through every stage of life, from contraception options to prenatal care and bone density testing. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 599-4200 today.

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