Though women have a significantly higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI), the problem also affects men. An estimated 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. At Gulf Coast Urology, John Bertini, MD, James Harris, MD, Grant Redrow, MD, and Travis Green, MD specialize in effectively treating UTIs and helping you prevent recurring UTIs. If you experience frequent urination, call the office in Clear Lake or Houston, Texas, or schedule an appointment online. We care for patients throughout Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, Friendswood, and Southeast Houston.
UTIs occur when bacteria get into your urinary tract. The bacteria may accumulate in your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body or travel through your urinary tract, infecting your bladder, kidneys, and, in men, the prostate gland.
UTIs have different names based on the infection’s location:
Women develop UTIs at any age, while men are more likely to have trouble with UTIs as they get older. Women have a higher risk of UTIs because of their anatomy; their urethral opening is in close proximity to bacteria living around the vagina and rectum.
A mild UTI can come and go without causing symptoms or problems. A more severe UTI, however, causes symptoms such as:
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you also develop symptoms such as nausea, fever, and pain in your upper back or side. If you have a fever along with your urinary symptoms, it’s important to get early treatment to prevent a potential kidney infection from damaging your kidneys.
After a urinalysis to verify you have a UTI, the team at Gulf Coast Urology typically treats an uncomplicated UTI with antibiotics. If you have recurring UTIs, a problem that affects nearly 30% of women with UTIs, you need more intensive treatment.
Recurring UTIs are defined as having two or more infections in six months or three or more over a year. To stop recurring UTIs, your Gulf Coast Urology provider may prescribe low-dose antibiotics taken for a longer time or a single dose taken after sexual intercourse.
Postmenopausal women may get relief from recurring UTIs by taking hormone replacement therapy. You may also reduce your risk for recurring UTIs by drinking enough water to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
If you need treatment for a UTI, call Gulf Coast Urology or schedule an appointment online.
