Having Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? Here Are Signs You Need To See Your Urologist

December 7, 2022

A urinary tract infection (UTI) triggers when dangerous bacteria like E. coli exist throughout the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. And it’s one of those health problems that you can hardly ignore.

Thankfully, it can be treated if you know what to watch for warning signals and what to do if you suspect one.

Both women and children are susceptible to UTIs, which is a prevalent type of infection. Knowing when to visit a urologist is crucial because, if left untreated, a UTI can progress to the kidneys, where it becomes a more serious infection that can be more challenging to cure.

What causes urinary tract infection (UTI)?

When bacteria infect the urinary tract, it irritates and inflames the area, leading to a UTI. And E. coli causes the majority of UTIs. It is a  bacteria that often lives in the gut, but following a bowel movement, it can migrate from the rectum to the urethra.

Additionally, once a urinary tract infection has taken root, it may spread to the bladder and potentially the kidneys.

Because a woman’s urethra is significantly shorter than a man’s, bacteria can more easily spread down it and into the bladder, increasing the likelihood of UTIs in women.

What are the common signs and symptoms of UTI?

Most healthy, adequately hydrated individuals have urine in light yellow or clear in color and almost odorless. Additionally, passing through it is completely painless.

But that’s not the case for most people who get a urinary tract infection. Instead, they will probably run into at least one of the warning signs listed below:

  • A consistent and intense need to urinate – It is caused by an inflamed bladder and urethra that affect the receptors alerting you to urinate.
  • There is a painful or burning sensation when urinating – When bacteria irritate the urinary tract’s lining, inflammation results, producing a painful or burning sensation when urinating.
  • Passing tiny drops of urine – UTIs can cause the urethra to enlarge, reducing the volume of pee to go down, and resulting in little drops of urine at a time.
  • Hazy urine – Cloudy urine occurs due to the accumulation of white blood cells while your body fights the invading bacteria.
  • Urine with a strong odor – Bacteria can produce a fishy scent.
  • You have coke-colored urine – A urine that is red, pink, or coke-colored means that blood is present.
  • Pelvic pressure or pain – It is felt in the middle of the pelvis and can resemble bloating.
  • Passing gas when urinating – Pneumaturia, sometimes known as passing gas in your urine, can occasionally happen because of a UTI.
  • Urinary discharge that resembles mucus or pus – Men have this UTI symptom more frequently than women. Here, the natural mucus in your bladder and urethra works to rid the body of pathogens.

Signs you need to visit your urologist because of UTI.

It’s vital to seek immediate assistance if you discover the symptoms of a UTI because antibiotics are frequently required to treat one.

Particularly if you notice the following signs:

  • Your sensations are severe or worsening
  • After a few days, your symptoms don’t get any better
  • You frequently have UTIs.

Treatment for UTIs should start early to combat the infection while it is still treatable and before it spreads to the kidneys. Fever, vomiting, and excruciating pain are a few of the incapacitating symptoms that can accompany even a moderate kidney infection. Additionally, a lengthier course of antibiotics is needed for these illnesses.

Additionally, the risk of fatalities increases with the severity of the kidney infection. They can even include irreversible kidney damage or a life-threatening bloodstream infection at most times. They can also include hospitalization.

Prostatitis, which frequently necessitates a lengthier course of antibiotics to treat, can also be brought on by UTIs in males when they spread to the prostate.

Additionally, it’s crucial to see your doctor if you experience UTIs regularly, which is defined as three or more times per year. Recurring UTIs are common, and lifestyle adjustments can effectively regulate them. But occasionally, your doctor might advise that you visit a certified professional urologist for additional testing.

A health condition like kidney stones or abnormalities in your kidneys, bladder, or urethra may be the cause of your recurring UTIs. These kinds of problems can be ruled out, diagnosed, and treated by a urologist, who can offer additional advice on avoiding getting UTIs again.