Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections encountered by physicians in the primary and urgent care offices.  Most UTIs are bacterial in origin, with E. Coli being the most common cause.  The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder.  Women tend be affected by UTI much more often than men.

Common signs and symptoms of UTI include burning sensation with urination, urgency to urinate with increased frequency, and discolored or smelly urine.  However, sometimes its symptoms may be non-specific, such as fever, low back pain and nausea.

If your family doctor thinks you have a UTI, he or she will probably test a sample of your urine to see if it contains bacteria, glucose or blood.  If the test is positive, your doctor will prescribe an antiobiotic for a few days to effectively treat a UTI. Make sure you finish the entire course of the antibiotic as prescribed even if your symptoms improve in 1-2 days. Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine makes your urine turn bright orange, so don’t be alarmed by the color when you urinate.

Even though most UTIs are effectively treated with the antibiotics, a history of frequent UTIs warrants further evaluation and advanced testing as appropriate.  There are some simple and easy steps that can help you to prevent a UTI.  For example, do not hold your urine for a prolonged period of time when you have the urge to urinate; Wipe from front to back after bowel movements; Urinate after having sex to wash away bacteria; Use lubrication during sex; And avoid douching.