How are urinary tract infections diagnosed?
Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary
tract infection:
- Urinalysis to examine the urine for red blood
cells, white blood cells and bacteria (The number of white and red
blood cells can indicate an infection.)
- Urine culture to determine the type of
bacteria in the urine. This is important to help determine the
appropriate treatment.
If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you get
repeated infections, your doctor may use the following tests to
examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a series of
X-rays of the bladder, kidneys and ureters after a special dye is
injected (The dye helps the structures to show up better on the
X-ray.)
- Ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves to
form images of internal organs
- Cystoscopy, a test that uses a special
instrument fitted with a lens and a light source (cystoscope) to
see inside the bladder from the urethra
- CT scan, a type of X-ray that takes cross
sections of the body (like slices) - much more precise than typical
X-rays
How are urinary tract infections treated?
Antibiotics, medicines that kill the bacteria, are used to treat
urinary tract infections. Your doctor will choose a drug that best
treats the bacteria causing your infection. Commonly used
antibiotics include:
- Nitrofurantoin
- Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
- Amoxicillin
- Cephalosporins
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®)
- Doxycycline
- Quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin
[Cipro®])
It is very important that you follow your doctor's directions
for taking the medicine. Do not stop taking the antibiotic because
your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If you have a
history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a
prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset
of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every
day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the
infection. If the infection is not treated completely with the full
course of antibiotics, it can return.
What are the complications of a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection that is not treated can lead to a more
serious infection of the kidneys.
Can urinary tract infections be prevented?
There are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing
a urinary tract infection:
- Follow good hygiene practices of the genital area (especially
women). After a bowel movement, the genitals should be wiped from
front to back to reduce the chance of dragging E, coli , bacteria
from the rectal area to the urethra.
- Urinate frequently. This flushes bacteria out of the bladder
and may reduce the risk of cystitis in those who are prone to
urinary tract infections. Drinking plenty of fluids encourages
frequent urination. Avoid fluids and foods that irritate the
bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, drinks containing caffeine
and spicy foods. Also avoid smoking during this time.
- Urinate immediately before and after sex. This may help flush
out bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. Wash
the genital area with warm water before having sex.
- Apply an estrogen-containing vaginal cream in post-menopausal
women to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day
- Don't douche
- Don't use feminine deodorants on your genital area
- Change tampons and feminine pads often
- Use a water-based lubricant during sex if you have vaginal
dryness
- Check with your doctor if you think your diaphragm is causing
infection
- Wear cotton underwear
- Take showers instead of baths
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing and pantyhose
What is the prognosis (outlook) for a person with a
urinary tract infection?
While urinary tract infections may be uncomfortable, they generally
respond well to treatment.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a urinary
tract infection. Also call if you have been diagnosed with an
infection and your symptoms get worse or you develop new symptoms,
especially fever, back pain and vomiting.