Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection often causes a burning sensation when urinating and a frequent urge to urinate. The infection is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and spread to the bladder. This condition is more common in women and may sometimes resolve on its own, but men, children, and pregnant women should always seek medical evaluation.

Contents:

• Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
• Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Self-Care Instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

A typical symptom of a UTI is a burning sensation when urinating. You may feel a frequent urge to urinate, and there might be a dull ache in the lower abdomen. A UTI can also cause fatigue and chills.

Common UTI symptoms:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Lower abdominal pain
• Possible blood in the urine
• Fatigue

Other conditions, such as kidney infections, sexually transmitted infections, or age-related changes, can cause similar symptoms. Additionally, dry mucous membranes and gynecological issues may resemble a UTI.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

A UTI is typically caused by bacteria entering the urethra and causing inflammation in the bladder. The most common culprit is E. coli. Women are at greater risk due to the shorter length of the urethra. If bacteria travel further up the urinary tract, they can infect the kidneys, leading to a more serious condition.

Diagnosis and treatment

For women, a UTI may resolve on its own, but if symptoms don’t improve in a few days, antibiotics may be needed. A urine sample can be taken to confirm the presence of bacteria, if the symptoms are clear and familiar, a sample is usually not necessary. Men, children, and pregnant women require a medical evaluation, as their infections can be more complex. For recurring infections, preventive antibiotics may be considered.

Self-Care Instructions

Drinking plenty of acidic fluids, such as cranberry juice, and placing a warm compress on the lower abdomen may relieve symptoms. Pain killer medication can also help if there is abdominal discomfort.

Ways to reduce the risk of UTI:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid excessive washing of the intimate area
• Wipe from front to back
• Avoid contraceptives that irritate mucous membranes
• Urinate after intercourse

When to seek medical care?

Women with a UTI can often be treated conveniently via remote consultation. Men, pregnant women, and children always require an in-person medical evaluation as soon as symptoms appear. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms include fever or severe back or abdominal pain.

How Can Dokport Help?

Dokport’s remote consultation can provide prompt assistance for UTIs for women without back pain or fever. Our doctors can assess your symptoms via chat, offer self-care guidance, prescribe medication if needed, or recommend further evaluation if necessary.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine