Bladder and Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a fairly common condition, but this doesn’t make it any less painful or irritating. Having a UTI can make it nearly impossible to sleep, concentrate on work, or do the million other things that fill your hectic schedule. Knowing how to spot the signs of a UTI can help you identify the problem more quickly and find the right treatment.

A UTI develops when bacteria makes its way into the urethra where it can travel to other areas of the urinary tract. Bladder infections (cystitis) are the most common type of UTI, but an untreated UTI can also spread to the kidneys. UTIs can affect both men and women, but these bacterial infections are far more common in women due to their shorter urethras. The risk of developing a UTI increases if you are sexually active, have a suppressed immune system, are going through menopause, or are on certain types of birth control.

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

• Urgent need to urinate
• Painful burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the lower back or abdomen
• Bladder spasms or cramping
• Blood in urine
• Dark or cloudy urine
• Pain during sex
• Fever or chills (can be a sign that a kidney infection has developed)

A urine test is necessary to properly diagnose a UTI. Most UTIs can be treated with a course of antibiotics, but it’s important to see a medical professional as quickly as possible so that the infection doesn’t lead to more serious complications.