UTI

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacterial invaders sneak into your urethra and bladder. Fungal or viral organisms are sometimes to blame, too. UTIs affect both women and men. But women get them more frequently because their urethra is shorter and close to the anus where bacteria often linger.

If you’re struggling with a UTI, you may be experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Foul-smelling urine
• Burning during urination
• Pelvic or rectal discomfort
• Increase urination frequency 
• Cloudy, pinkish urine (signs of blood)

If your UTI progresses further up into your urinary tract and reaches your kidneys, the infection becomes more serious. In this case, you may also experience lower back pain, fever, and vomiting. 

How does a doctor diagnose a UTI?

Greenwich Primary Care has a laboratory on site, so you won’t have to go anywhere else for your diagnostic needs. Diagnosing a urinary tract infection usually involves gathering a clean catch urine sample.

This type of urine sample is collected midstream, rather than from the beginning, which prevents contamination. The lab evaluates your urine sample and looks for an increased number of white blood cells, which can indicate an infection. They can also check for bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Occasionally, a blood draw is necessary to check for other signs of infection and to rule out related issues. In most cases though, Dr. Shajan can diagnose you on the spot and get you started on treatment the same day. 

Which UTI treatment do I need?

The goal of your UTI treatment from Greenwich Primary Care is to relieve your uncomfortable symptoms and treat your infection. For bacterial urinary tract infections, Dr. Shajan can prescribe antibiotics. 

Recovering from a UTI might also require you to:

• Drink more fluids to help clear out your urinary tract
• Start hormone therapy (for menopausal women)
• Take certain pain relievers 

To help with pelvic discomfort, applying a heating pad may help. Dr. Shajan also counsels you about preventive measures. For instance, drinking 100% cranberry juice can help prevent certain types of bacterial UTIs from coming back in the future. 

If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, contact Greenwich Primary Care for an exam. You can book an appointment online or by phone, or you can walk in to be seen right away.