UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) may interfere with your daily activities, causing discomfort, pain, and disruption to your normal routine. John Armstrong Jr., MD, MS, provides responsive care and treatment for UTIs to clear your infection and improve your comfort. Call John T. Armstrong Jr. MD Inc. in Napa, California, or schedule an appointment online to learn more. You can also book a telehealth visit with an experienced gynecologist.

What are UTIs?

A UTI is an infection of your urinary tract. These infections occur when bacteria from the rectum or surrounding skin invade the urethra, ureters, bladders, or kidneys. 

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable. They can damage your bladder, kidneys, and nearby organs without treatment. A prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to clear the infection and prevent unnecessary damage. 

What are the most common warning signs of UTIs?

UTIs can be painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can find relief and prevent serious complications, including permanent kidney damage. Common warning signs of a UTI typically include:

• Increased urination
• Pain when urinating
• Leaky bladder
• Bloody urine
• Mid back pain
• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain

Your gynecologist will use the latest diagnostic tools to stop your UTI before it progresses.

Why do I keep getting UTIs?

Most recurrent UTIs happen when the same bacteria repeatedly infect the urinary tract. Having a suppressed immune system from an underlying medical condition can also increase your risk of recurrent UTIs. Other common causes include:

• Menopause
• Older age
• Frequent sexual intercourse
• Spermicide use
• Bathroom hygiene

Women are far more likely than men to get UTIs due to their shorter urethras, which make it easier for bacteria to travel through the urinary tract.

How do you diagnose UTIs?

After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, your gynecologist collects a urine sample to test for bacteria and evaluate your white blood cells. Measuring these cells can help determine whether your body is fighting an infection. Along with a sample, your doctor may use a urine culture to check for yeast and other types of bacteria.

How do you treat and prevent UTIs?

Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs. Your gynecologist may also recommend drinking plenty of fluids to help clear the infection. If you’re prone to recurrent UTIs, taking a few precautionary measures can help prevent another infection. These include:

• Urinating immediately before and after sex
• Drinking more water
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes
• Taking estrogen hormones (if you’re menopausal)
• Using water-based lubricant during sex
• Changing your birth control

With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Armstrong can help treat your UTI and create a personalized plan to prevent recurrent infections. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.