Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria enter and settle into your urinary tract.

While men can develop urinary tract infections, the condition is more common in women. This is because a woman's urinary tract is shorter than a man’s, so bacteria don’t need to travel as far to cause an infection.

Other risk factors for urinary tract infections include:

• Menopause
• Kidney stones
• Sexual activity
• Use of a catheter
• Use of certain types of birth control

You may also be at a higher risk for recurrent UTIs if you have an autoimmune disease like diabetes or are born with urinary tract abnormalities.

How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?

You can have a urinary tract infection without any symptoms. However, as the infection worsens without treatment, you may experience:

• Strong urge to urinate
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Burning or stinging sensations during urination
• Blood in your urine

In women, a UTI can also cause persistent pelvic pain.

If you have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Texas Urological Clinic. 

Without treatment, a UTI can cause complications like kidney damage or narrowing in a man’s urethral opening. Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection, can also result if the infection spreads to your kidneys.

Dr. Todd can check whether your symptoms relate to a urinary tract infection through urine testing and bloodwork. If you have frequent UTIs, you may also need a cystoscopy. During this procedure, he inserts a thin tube with a lens to see inside your urethra and bladder.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?

To clear a urinary tract infection, Dr. Todd can prescribe antibiotics. Soon after you start the medications, you should feel a reduction in pain and other UTI symptoms.

If you have recurrent UTIs, you may benefit from the long-term use of a low-dose antibiotic. You may also need to take a single dose of antibiotics after sexual intercourse.

In severe cases of a UTI, you might need to visit the hospital for an intravenous (IV) infusion of antibiotics to treat the infection.

In addition to treating urinary tract infections, Dr. Todd can evaluate your urological health and recommend ways you can lower your risk for future UTIs. This may include drinking more water to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract, getting daily exercise, and avoiding alcohol, coffee, and other substances that can irritate your bladder.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of a urinary tract infection, call Texas Urological Clinic today or book an appointment online.