Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

What is a urinary tract infection?

You can get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in any area of your urinary system. This includes your kidneys, bladder, urethra, or ureters. Most UTIs are in the urethra and bladder.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

You might not experience any UTI symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they might include:

• Cloudy urine
• Urine that has a strong odor
• Pelvic pain in women
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation while urinating

You might also notice red or discolored urine. This is usually a sign that blood is present in your urine.

What complications can happen with a urinary tract infection?

UTIs can cause complications if they aren’t properly treated, especially if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Some of these potential complications include:

• Sepsis
• Frequent infections
• Permanent kidney damage
• Narrowing of the urethra and an inflamed urethra (urethritis 

A UTI can also stimulate the release of chemicals from your immune system that causes widespread inflammation throughout your body.

What causes a urinary tract infection?

When your body’s innate defense system fails, bacteria can infect and remain in your urinary tract, typically in the bladder.

A bladder infection is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) — a bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, gastrointestinal bacteria travels from the anus to the urethra and results in a urethral infection. Some ways you might get a UTI include:

Hormonal imbalance

With women, the decline in estrogen levels and hormonal imbalance that often occurs following menopause can make the urinary tract more prone to infection.

Sexual intercourse

Sexual intercourse can also cause a UTI. 

Birth control

Certain methods of birth control, such as diaphragms can also increase your risk of getting a UTI.

Genetic abnormalities

Some babies are born with urinary tract abnormalities that can cause a back-up of urine in the urethra and an increased risk of a UTI.

Suppressed immune system

With a suppressed immune system, your body’s defense system is weakened against infections, making you more likely to get a UTI.

What are the treatments for a urinary tract infection?

Texas Premier Physicians provides a range of testing and treatments for UTIs, including medications, such as antivirals, antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories. 

Some of the most common medications for a UTI infection include the antibiotics Fosfomycin and Trimethoprim.

You also receive helpful information at Texas Premier Physicians on how to strengthen your immune system and boost your general health.

Get rid of unwanted infections and take control of your health by calling Texas Premier Physicians or booking via the web.