Should I seek medical attention for a UTI?

A UTI can be uncomfortable, sometimes resulting in pain, burning or even blood when urinating. UTIs are most common in women, affecting the bladder and urethra. However, men are not exempt from developing a urinary tract infection.

Fortunately, UTIs are easily treatable with a prescription of antibiotics, and it’s important to receive care to reduce the infection from spreading to the upper area of the urinary tract, negatively affecting the kidneys.

What is a UTI?

UTIs are commonly caused by a bacterial infection that can impact one or more sections of the urinary tract. This includes the kidney, ureter, urethra, and most commonly, the bladder.

Several known factors can increase someone’s risk for developing a UTI, including:

• Having a previous UTI.
• Sexual activity.
• Bacterial changes.
• Pregnancy.
• Lack of hygiene.
• Age, as UTIs impact older adults and younger kids more often.
• Structural problems within the urinary tract, like an enlarged prostate.

When to Visit a Doctor for a UTI

There are multiple signs that indicate you might have a bladder infection, but it can be difficult to determine based on the range of exhibiting symptoms. Not everyone experiences the same signs, but include:

• Strong need to urinate.
• Pain or burning while urinating.
• Only passing small amounts of urine.
• Cloudy urine.
• Red tinted urine that indicates blood.
• Pain around the pelvis.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be asking yourself when is it time to go to the doctor? The short answer is when there is pain, burning, frequent urination, or the condition feels emergent. A UTI is caused by bacteria that infect a part of your urinary tract, and the best way to cure a bacterial infection is with antibiotics.

When seeing a medical professional, they can perform tests, like a urine culture, to determine the primary bacteria responsible for your infection. This means that they will be able to prescribe medication that will treat your condition efficiently.

How to Prevent and Treat a UTI

The first and best treatment for a UTI is antibiotics prescribed to you by medical personnel. But there are home remedies that can help alleviate some of the painful symptoms and prevent another urinary tract infection in the future. The No. 1 home remedy for UTI is prevention, so how can that be done?

Some things you can do to help prevent a UTI include:

• Drink enough fluids every day.
• Increase vitamin C intake.
• Take probiotics.
• Don't hold your urine.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse.

Prevention isn’t always 100% possible, but it can ensure your health and speed along recovery from future UTIs. Prevention includes:

• Drinking plenty of fluids. Our bodies need hydration to function properly, so drinking enough water can help speed up the recovery process. Water helps support the kidney’s ability to flush out toxins.

• Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberries can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

• Probiotics. Some probiotics can help with UTIs as it balances out the bacteria in the gut.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care Can Help with Your Health Needs

If you feel your condition is a true emergency, call 911 immediately. If you're experiencing pain or extreme UTI symptoms, seek medical attention and visitProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is here to provide the highest level of care and service. The combined emergency room and urgent care are equipped to handle almost every kind of medical emergency. The emergency room is open 24/7, and the urgent care clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. No appointments are required. Walk-ins welcome.

ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care has a convenient location:

• ProMedica Toledo Hospital Emergency and Urgent Care is located at 1075 Medical Center Parkway, Maumee, OH 43537.