Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that commonly affect the bladder, the kidneys, and their connecting tubes. Although anybody can get them, they’re most common in women. However, other women experience them regularly (this is known as recurrent UTIs). Get more information and UTI Treatment in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough at Oakwood Pharmacy.
UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, however, it usually passes after a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of UTIs
Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:
– Frequent urination
– pain or discomfort when urinating
– sudden urges to pee
– feeling as if you’re unable to empty your bladder completely
– abdominal pain
– cloudy urine that may be foul-smelling or contain blood
– feeling generally sick and fatigued
UTI Treatment in Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough
UTIs treatment normally involves a short course of antibiotics.
Most women get a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women, and people with more severe symptoms may need a slightly longer course.
Symptoms usually pass within three to five days after starting treatment. Therefore, make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better.
Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can assist with any pain. Drinking lots of fluids may also help you recover.
If your symptoms don’t improve, get worse or recur after treatment, immediately return to the pharmacist or GP.
What causes UTIs?
UTIs occur when bacteria cause an infection in the urinary tract. In most cases, bacteria from the gut enter the urinary tract through the urethra.
For example, this may occur when wiping your bottom or having sex. However, it’s not often clear why it happens.
The following may make you more vulnerable:
– diseases that obstruct your urinary tract, such as kidney stones
– problems emptying your bladder fully
– using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
– diabetes
– a weak immune system – for instance, from chemotherapy or HIV
– a urinary catheter
– an enlarged prostate gland in men
Are you suffering from or have recurrent UTIs? Visit us for treatment!