Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among one of the most common reasons women and men visit their doctor’s office. Approximately 40 percent of women and 12 percent of men will experience at least one symptomatic urinary tract infection during their lifetime. Many UTIs are solitary events that, if treated, will not recur.

These infections are much more common in girls and women than in boys and men younger than 50 years of age. The reason for this is not well understood, but anatomic differences between the genders (a shorter urethra in women) might be partially responsible.

Our doctors categorize UTIs as simple (uncomplicated) or complicated. Simple UTIs are infections that occur in normal urinary tracts while complicated UTIs occur in abnormal urinary tracts or when the bacteria causing the infection is resistant to many antibiotic medications.

How your Urinary Tract Functions

Your urinary tract makes and stores urine. Urine is made in the kidneys and travels down the ureters to the bladder. The bladder holds your urine until it is emptied through the urethra. The urethra connects to the end of the penis in a male. Your kidneys are vital to your health and well-being as they serve as a filtration system to filter and remove waste from your blood and remove it from your body.

Causes of a Urinary Tract Infection

Within the human body large numbers of bacteria live in the skin and within your rectum. At times bacteria may get into the urine from the urethra and travel into your bladder. Sexual intercourse can also increase the frequency of UTIs.

You are also more likely to get a UTI if your urinary tract has an abnormality such as an obstruction from an enlarged prostate (either benign or cancer) or scar tissue.

Diabetes also puts people at higher risk for UTIs either because of a decrease in immune function or weakening of the bladder muscle.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

With a Urinary tract infection (UTI), the lining of the bladder and urethra become red and irritated. It is this irritation that causes pain in your abdomen and pelvic area. The most common complaint is a constant feeling of a need to empty your bladder (frequency). You may even try to urinate, but only produce a few drops and/or feel some burning as your urine comes out. Patients with UTIs also report an unpleasant urine smell and cloudy urine. In severe infections, you might have blood in your urine.

Kidney infections often cause fevers and back pain. These infections need to be treated promptly because a Kidney infection can quickly spread into the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening condition.

Diagnosing a Urinary Tract Infection

At South Florida Urology Center, Inc we diagnose a UTI by doing a routine urinalysis and/or urine culture. A sample of urine is examined under a microscope by looking for indications of infection — bacteria or white blood cells in the urine. Urinary tract infections are usually referred to as simple or complicated.

Simple infections occur in healthy urinary tracts and do not spread to other parts of the body. They usually go away readily with treatment.

Complicated infections are caused by anatomic abnormalities, spread to other parts of the body, are worsened by underlying medical conditions, or are resistant to many antibiotics. They are more difficult to cure.

If you are having fevers and ongoing symptoms despite treatment, you may need further tests. Our doctors can advise you if an ultrasound or CT scan is needed to further to assess the urinary tract.

Important Note: Contact Dr. Jayson, if you find blood in the urine. Blood may be caused by a UTI, but it may also be from a different problem in the urinary tract.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Our doctors normally treats a simple UTI with a course of oral antibiotics. A few doses of the prescribed antibiotics often relieves you of the pain or urge to urinate frequently. It is important to take the full recommended course of medication even if all symptoms have been relieved. Our doctors caution that unless UTIs are fully treated, they can frequently return.

Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis)

In an otherwise healthy young female, a three-day course of antibiotics is usually enough. Some providers prefer a seven-day course of antibiotics. Occasionally, a single dose of an antibiotic is used. Adult females with potential for or early involvement of the kidneys, urinary tract abnormalities, or diabetes are typically given a five- to seven-day course of antibiotics. Our doctors will determine which of these options is best for you.

Caution: Do not take another person’s antibiotic.

As another example of the thorough care we provide to our patients, our doctors will often recommend some simple tests after your infection has been treated to determine the cause of your UTI so that it can be prevented from re-occurring.

Precautions

There are some easy steps you can use to avoid UTIs.

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated.
• Do not hold your urine and delay.
• Do not rush when urinating.
• Holding in urine and not emptying your bladder completely can increase your risk of UTIs.

If you have a question about a service or procedure, please email us or call our office at (954)-392-7770.