Urinary Tract Infections

Are you always in the bathroom, or does it hurt to urinate? At Richmond Primary Care Specialists in the Prince’s Bay neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, highly trained medical specialists diagnose and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) to relieve symptoms and prevent worsening infections. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What are urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections in your urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. When not treated, a minor UTI can spread to your kidneys and cause severe health problems. UTIs are generally easy to treat, particularly when detected early. See the Richmond Primary Care Specialists team at the first sign of a urinary tract infection.

Which symptoms can UTIs cause?

UTIs can cause the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Strong, constant urge to urinate
• Burning with urination
• Cloudy urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain
• Red, bright pink, or cola-colored urine
• Unusual discharge

If your kidney is affected, you might develop a fever, shaking, chills, nausea, or vomiting. 

Complications include repeat infections, permanent kidney damage, problems during pregnancy, a narrowed urethra (in men), and a life-threatening complication called sepsis. 

What are the risk factors for a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infection risk factors include:

• Bacteria buildup
• Being female
• Using diaphragms or spermicidal agents
• Sexual activity
• Menopause in women
• Being born with a urinary tract irregularity
• Urinary tract blockages 
• Enlarged prostate gland in men
• Kidney stones
• Suppressed immune system
• Urinary procedures
• Catheter use

However, the exact cause of a UTI isn’t always clear.

How does my provider diagnose UTIs?

Diagnosing a UTI involves a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and a urinalysis (urine test). Some people need imaging procedures to create pictures of the inside of the urinary tract or a cystoscopy (small scope) to view the inside of the bladder and urethra. 

How are urinary tract infections treated?

Treating UTIs generally consists of taking oral antibiotics and making lifestyle changes. Severe UTIs might require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. 

Avoid alcohol, coffee, soft drinks with citrus juices, and caffeine until your UTI clears. You can apply a warm heating pad to ease bladder discomfort. Vaginal estrogen therapy is a preventive option for women who have reached menopause. 

Other ways to minimize the risk of UTIs include urinating after sex, drinking plenty of water, trying cranberry juice, and wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom. Avoid diaphragms, spermicidal condoms, unlubricated condoms, and irritating feminine products like douches, powders, and deodorant sprays.

Schedule an appointment at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by phone or request one online today to get screened for a urinary tract infection.