Raisa Howard CNP
Womens Clinic Los Angeles
We're glad to help.
You are not currently logged in
To Schedule an Appointment, Call us at (310) 826-1101
Urinary Tract Infections or UTI is a common and serious problem that should be assessed and treated as soon as possible. Usual symptoms include frequency in urination, burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pressure or pain and back pain. One out 5 women will develop a UTI. The most common causes of UTI are bacteria like E.coli. However, Chlamydia or Mycoplasma may also be a cause for UTI.
It is important to test for STD's when UTI is diagnosed to make sure that the underlying problem is also treated. It is important to take all medication prescribed for a UTI. Usually the symptoms are relieved in 24 hours but the medication is commonly prescribed fro 7 days.
If you seem to be developing a fever (higher than 100 degrees) or if your symptoms are prohibiting normal day to day activities, you should contact your health care provider. They will want to know if you are allergic to any antibiotics, your body temperature, and any history of medication and/or antibiotics you have taken in the past. Also, a urine sample will be requested for culture, and a discussion on if antibiotics should begin immediately or postponed until the culture results are returned.
Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if you're taking warfarin (brand name: Coumadin), check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
Some clinicians are using 3 day medication regimen to treat UTI. Talk to your provider to see which one is right for you and follow your prescribing clinician advice.
Urinary Tract Infections
Possible Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection
1) A burning sensation when you urinate
2) Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
3) Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to
4) Leaking a little urine
5) Cloudy, dark, smelly or bloody urine
Tips on Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
1) Don't hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to.
2) Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
3) Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
4) Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) before sex if you're a little dry.
5) If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.