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 Urinary tract infection is a broad term to describe an inflammatory response of the urinary tract (urethra, bladder, and kidneys) to an infectious organism. Most commonly, this infection is confined to the bladder (cystitis), but can also involve the urethra (urethritis)or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Symptoms
Symptoms vary among individuals, but may include:
- Dysuria
- Urgency
- Frequency
- Bladder or pelvic pain
- Incontinence
- Fever
Evaluation
The evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical examination and may also include the following:
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture and sensitivity
- Cystoscopy
- Post-void residual measurement
- CT scan or Cystourethrogram
Treatment
Treatment is individualized to each patient, depending on the underlying cause, and often more than one is utilized to yield the best result. Treatment varies depending on the location of the infection, age of the patient, whether it is a recurring or isolated infection, and the anatomical differences between individuals. Such treatments may include the following:
- Short term antibiotics
- Prophylactic antibiotics
- Self-start antibiotics
- Changing the bacterial environment
- Surgical correction of anatomical abnormalities
Summary
Urinary tract infection is a common problem in women, but there are excellent treatment options available to minimize their impact. The Urology Clinic has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of UTIs, and we do so in a caring and efficient manner to allow patients to get back to their normal routines as quickly as possible.
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