Each year, about 8 million Americans visit the doctor due to a urinary tract infection. Anyone can experience a urinary tract infection, but they’re especially common in women. At Farr Medical Group, Inc. family practice physicians William Farr, MD, Alycia Campos, MD, and the team diagnose and treat urinary tract infections. Book a same-day appointment online or call the Bakersfield, California, office today.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common health problem that causes inflammation of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The majority of UTIs affect the lower urinary tract and present minor but annoying symptoms. If an infection spreads to your kidneys it can present serious and even life-threatening problems.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
If you’re a woman, you might also experience pelvic pain.
Farr Medical Group, Inc. diagnoses and treats several types of urinary tract infections, including:
Cystitis is caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria that are typically found in the digestive tract. Cystitis can occur due to sexual intercourse or anatomy. A woman’s anus and urethra are very close to one another. Harmful bacteria can make their way into the urethra, causing inflammation and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Urethritis, like cystitis, occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urethra. It can also occur due to sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea.
Urinary tract infections affect people of all ages, races, and genders but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to develop a UTI if you recently underwent a urinary procedure.
To diagnose a urinary tract infection, the Farr Medical Group, Inc. team conducts a physical exam, reviews your health history, and asks about your symptoms. They then order a urinalysis and ultrasound. Urinalysis analyzes your urine for the presence of harmful bacteria. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to take detailed images of your bladder and urinary tract.
Treatment of a urinary tract infection depends on your symptoms and the severity of the infection. If you have a mild infection that causes only mild discomfort, Farr Medical Group, Inc. prescribes oral antibiotics.
If you have a serious or recurring infection, you might benefit from low-dose antibiotics for several months, a single-dose antibiotic following sexual intercourse, or vaginal estrogen therapy if you’re post-menopausal.
Don’t wait to receive treatment for a urinary tract infection at Farr Medical Group, Inc. Schedule a same-day appointment with the online booking tool or call the office today.
