It is a fact that up to 60 per cent of women suffer from urinary tract infections once or several times in their lives.
Urinary tract infections or UTIs occur in the urinary system in the bladder or urethra – and, if serious, occur in the kidneys.
“It is a painful condition”, says a physician at an Arlington doctors office. “Patients complain of frequent urination, and/or cramping in the stomach”.
UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system.
It can affect any part of the urinary tract including:
- Ureters – that carry urine from kidney to bladder
- Bladder – the organ that stores urine
- Urethra – carries urine from bladder to outside environment
- Kidneys – convert waste to urine
Women, doctors say, are more prone to UTIs than men.
What could be the reason?
Women’s urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum than those of men. This is the reason bacteria has easier access to the urinary tract.
But there could be other causes too. These can be:
- Sexual activity
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Older age
- History of previous UTIs
- Poor hygiene
It is essential that you must refer to a doctor is you experience a burning sensation, usually at the end of urination, an urge to urinate even if your bladder is empty, blood in your urine, or pressure in your lower pelvis.
A visit to the nearest Alexandria doctors office makes sense. The doctor may diagnose UTI by asking you about your symptoms, carrying out a physical exam, and/or by ordering tests.
Since UTIs are a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics do have the possibility to cause side effects including nausea and diarrhea. Moreover, those having recurrent UTIs can become resistant to antibiotics, in which case the doctor may recommend a different form of treatment.
Do not neglect the symptoms. If left untreated, bacteria from the urethra can move up to the kidneys causing serious issues like high fever, severe back pain, and nausea.
The Covid-19 pandemic may make you feel apprehensive visiting a healthcare facility.
But keep in mind that facilities like Arlington doctors office are committed to serving the community.
These facilities are safe, adequately equipped, and fully operational to address almost all non-life-threatening illnesses.
A physician at Alexandria doctors office assures you that urgent care facilities are:
- Following enhanced and the latest protocols pertaining to cleaning
- Performing frequent floor and surface sanitization
- Offering online check-in to reduce wait times
- Modifying their clinic space so that the waiting areas keep patients, doctors and the staff safe
If you or any of your loved ones have a medical emergency that is not life threatening but needs immediate treatment visit an urgent care center without any hesitation.
If you have symptoms that possibly point to an UTI, check with your primary care doctor immediately. If you suffer distress at odd times, for example when primary care offices are closed, consult a doctor at your nearest urgent care.
Preventing the spread of infection to kidneys is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly.
