Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be painful. You may feel burning, pain, or a strong urge to urinate. You may also have a fever and chills. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney damage. You should call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. A urine test can also confirm if you have a UTI.
The bladder is a balloon-like organ located between the abdomen and thighs. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that lie against the spine in the lower back. The kidneys are designed to remove waste from the body. A UTI can cause problems for both the kidneys and the bladder. The bladder can be irritated by multiple sclerosis, enlarged prostate, spinal cord injury, or nerve damage.
Women have shorter urethras than men, which makes them more susceptible to UTIs. They also tend to have less elasticity in their bladders, which can make it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra. Women are more likely to develop UTIs after sexual activity. They also tend to have more infections after menopause and after using birth control pills.
A UTI can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungi. If you have a UTI, you may be prescribed antibiotics. These antibiotics are used to kill certain types of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. If you have a urinary tract infection, you should drink plenty of liquids to flush out the bacteria and get the infection under control. Taking plenty of liquids will help you stay hydrated and prevent your body from getting dehydrated.
Women have different anatomy than men, so if you have a UTI, you may need to take a painless swab test. This test will not hurt but it may feel uncomfortable. A pain reliever may help with the burning sensation.
You should also tell your health care provider if you’ve been to the hospital within the last month, have had any surgery, or have any known problems with your urinary tract. The doctor can tell you if you have a UTI and what’s causing the symptoms. They can also check your urine for bacteria and yeast. If the infection is caused by bacteria, you may need further tests, such as a CT scan or MRI. You may need to take an IV antibiotic.
You may be given a heating pad to help ease pressure. You can also wear loose cotton clothing to help ease pain. You can also drink plenty of water to help flush out the infection. It’s also important to finish the course of antibiotics. If you don’t, the infection can come back. You should also take care of yourself by taking your prescribed medications and taking extra vitamins.
You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have any serious medical conditions. This will help your doctor determine whether you need to take a longer course of antibiotics. You may also need to take a blood test or undergo kidney scans.