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Urinary Tract
Infections
By Michael Spigler, Certified Health Education Specialist
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common type of infection in women. Prompt treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
A UTI occurs when bacteria multiply somewhere inside the urinary tract. There are different types of UTIs depending on the exact location of the infection. You may have an infection in your urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body), your bladder, or your kidneys.
The symptoms of a UTI in women may include:
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Painful, burning feeling during urination
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Frequent urge to urinate
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Feeling of pressure above the pubic bone
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Passing small amounts of urine
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Cloudy or reddish urine
A kidney infection is the most serious form of UTI.
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Signs of a kidney infection may include:
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Fever
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Pain in the lower back
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Pain in the side, below the ribs
- Nausea or vomiting
It is crucial for anyone with UTI symptoms to contact a doctor promptly. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish the full course of antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter product that can help relieve the symptoms while you are waiting for the infection to clear up.
To learn more about urinary tract infections, visit the American Urological Association’s health Web site, urologyhealth.org. For information about kidney health, go to the American Kidney Fund’s Web site at kidneyfund.org or call their HelpLine at 866-300-2900.
Michael Spigler is Director of Public Education for the American Kidney Fund, a nationwide health charity with local offices in Melville.
It is crucial for anyone with
UTI symptoms
to contact a
doctor promptly.
Preventing
Urinary Tract Infections
Taking a few preventive measures can help many women avoid contracting a urinary tract infection.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
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Urinate after sexual intercourse. This can help flush out bacteria that may have entered the area during intercourse.
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Urinate when you need to. Don’t “hold it.” Empty your bladder completely.
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Wipe from front to back. This will help prevent bacteria from the anus from becoming introduced into the urinary tract.
—Spigler
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