Around 60% of women and 12% of men in America experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some time. The symptoms can include pain and burning when you urinate, and it can get far worse if the infection spreads. At Tricounty Urology in Waynesburg and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, expert urologists Sunil Rayan, MD, and Mukul Patil, MD, offer prompt on-site testing and results, along with customized UTI treatment plans. They focus on finding the cause of recurring UTIs so you can implement effective preventive strategies in the future. Call the office nearest you or use the online booking tool to request your evaluation today.
Urinary Tract Infection Q & A
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is any infection in your urinary system, including:
UTIs occur primarily in the urethra and bladder but can spread into your kidneys if you don’t get treatment. Many different factors can contribute to UTIs, including frequent sexual intercourse, diaphragm use, spermicidal foam use, estrogen depletion in menopause, a weakened immune system, and urinary tract abnormalities.
What are the signs that I have a UTI?
UTI symptoms usually include:
Reach out to Tricounty Urology as soon as you notice these UTI symptoms. They can find the cause and begin your treatment right away.
How are UTIs diagnosed?
Tricounty Urology is dedicated to finding the cause behind your UTI, especially if you suffer from recurring infections. Testing happens on-site and may include both a standard urinalysis and a urine culture. A urine culture identifies the specific type of bacteria causing your UTI, which allows for customized medication choices.
In some cases, a UTI is caused by urinary tract abnormalities. If that’s the suspected cause of your recurring UTIs, you may need advanced imaging like ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan. Some chronic UTI sufferers need a cystoscopy, which allows the Tricounty Urology specialists to see the inner urethra and bladder in detail.
By finding the cause of your UTI, Tricounty Urology can focus on the prevention of future infections.
How do I cure a UTI?
Antibiotics are the typical treatment for UTIs, but many variants are dependent on the type of infection. For a simple, one-time UTI, you’ll likely take antibiotics for anywhere from a day to longer than a week.
For chronic UTIs, you may need low-dose antibiotics for an extended time (usually six months). If you have chronic UTIs related to sexual activity, you might get a prescription for single-dose antibiotics that you take immediately after any sexual activity.
If you have a severe UTI, you could need hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. If you’re in pain, you may also get an analgesic that numbs your urinary tract. This can make you comfortable until the antibiotic starts working.
Get prompt UTI testing and results, along with customized treatment and prevention plans, at Tricounty Urology. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.