Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, affecting the urethra, bladder, or, in more serious cases, the kidneys. Women tend to get them more often due to their anatomy, but men can also suffer from them, especially if they have prostate problems or kidney stones.

Main Symptoms

Symptoms may vary, but the most common are:

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate but passing only small amounts
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Cloudy urine, with a strong odor, or with blood (see causes of blood in the urine)
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back
• Fever in more severe cases

If you have a fever or severe lower back pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as it could be an infection affecting the kidneys.

Why Is It Important to Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

Many people self-medicate and initially feel relief, but the infection does not completely go away and becomes recurrent. An untreated urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys and cause serious complications, as well as lead to antibiotic resistance.

How Do I Diagnose Urinary Tract Infections?

During the consultation, we evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and in some cases request a urinalysis or a urine culture to identify the bacteria responsible and the exact antibiotic that will eliminate it. If the infections are recurrent, I may recommend additional studies such as a cystoscopy or an ultrasound to rule out structural problems, stones, or bladder abnormalities.

Effective Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections

Treatment depends on the type of bacteria, the frequency of your infections, and whether you are male or female. It generally includes:

• Specific antibiotics based on the urine culture results
• Pain relievers for discomfort and burning sensation
• Hydration and urinary habit recommendations

In men, it is essential to rule out prostate problems with a prostate check-up to prevent the infection from recurring.

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

To prevent frequent infections, I recommend:

• Drink enough water throughout the day
• Do not hold in the urge to urinate
• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Maintain good hygiene without excessive use of soaps or vaginal douches
• For women, wipe from front to back

If you already have recurrent infections, we can plan a personalized preventive treatment during your consultation.