Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs are among the most common types of infections. Serious consequences can occur if a UTI is not treated or spreads to your kidneys. As many as 50% of women and 3% of men experience a UTI at some point in their lives.

The following symptoms commonly signal a UTI:

• Strong, frequent urge to urinate
• Burning while urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine appears cloudy
• Urine is red, bright pink, or cola-colored, which may signal blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain
• Fever or chills
• Lower abdominal pain
• Unable to hold in urine
• Pain in the back and side at waist level (for upper UTIs)

UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. You’re more at risk if you are: female, menopausal, sexually active, use certain types of birth control, have a urinary tract blockage or kidney stone, or use a catheter.

You may also experience UTIs if you have a weakened immune system, structural abnormalities in your urinary tract, or have uncontrolled diabetes.

During your visit with Spokane Urology, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and will perform an examination of your abdomen, genitalia, and possibly a digital rectal exam (for male patients).

Other tests may include:

• Urinalysis: This test looks for any blood in the urine or infection.
• Urine culture: Very important to confirm infection, type of bacteria, and best medication to treat infection.
• Post-void residual: You’ll urinate and then be checked to make sure you are emptying your bladder.
• Renal/bladder ultrasound: Imaging of the kidneys and bladder.
• Cystoscopy: Your physician inserts a small scope into the urethra to look for abnormalities.

If you have recurring UTIs, your physician may want to perform the following tests:

• Molecular urine study: A more advanced urine test to identify which bacteria are causing the infection.
• CT scan: A detailed picture of the urinary tract.

Antibiotics are usually needed. In severe cases, hospitalization and IV antibiotics may be necessary.

Your doctor may suggest the following:

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid constipation
• Use lubrication during intercourse if you experience vaginal dryness
• Maintain adequate blood sugar control if you’re diabetic
• Change pads regularly if you wear them

Other treatments may include:

• Vaginal estrogen: A cream placed on the lining of the vagina in post-menopausal women to improve the thickness of the vaginal mucosa
• Cranberry supplements: Can change the pH of the urine and decrease the risk of UTIs
• D-mannose: Helps prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall
• Probiotics

You may require a hospital stay if you:

• Don’t get better with antibiotics
• Have an underlying disease or use medications that compromise your immune system
• Aren’t able to keep food down because of nausea or vomiting
• Are pregnant
• Have kidney stones
• Experience behavioral changes