Women often have to deal with the discomfort and hassle of a urinary tract infection (UTI), and they’re at increased risk of UTIs due to the shortness of the female urethra. More than half of women will have at least one case in their life.
However, if you find yourself frustrated by repeated UTIs, it might be time to take another look at the situation. Dr. Ulin Sargeant provides discreet and knowledgeable care for new and existing patients from around the Duarte, California, area at Monrovia Internal Medicine & Primary Care. Talk to Dr. Sargeant about your UTI concerns.
Symptoms and causes of UTIs
You know you have a UTI when you feel like you need to urinate all the time but don’t have a lot of urine in your system when you make it to the bathroom. When you urinate, it might look cloudy or blood-tinged or have a strong smell.
Urinary tract infections typically develop when E. coli bacteria that live in your intestines migrate to your vaginal area and then enter the urethra and infect your urinary tract and bladder. Some women are more prone to UTIs than others. If that’s you, talk to Dr. Sargeant about the best way to keep your urinary tract infection-free.
Repeat UTIs
UTIs have some common risk factors, although these can change based on your age. Pre-menopausal women are at higher risk of UTIs when sexually active, especially if you use spermicides that can kill off good bacteria that naturally live in the vaginal area. Post-menopause, natural declines in healthy bacteria levels and urinary muscle tone can make UTIs a more frequent part of your life.
It’s common for repeat UTIs to be an issue. In fact, around 25%-30% of women with a recent UTI can expect to see a resurgence of the infection within six months.
Preventing UTIs
Here’s what you can do to prevent UTIs. Staying hydrated is essential so your urinary system remains active and healthy. You can address an occasional UTI with antibiotics, but over time, you may develop resistance to this treatment, so you don’t want to take antibiotic medications every day.
If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to try and empty your bladder right after vaginal intercourse. Also, if you’re prone to UTIs, talk to Dr. Sargeant about contraceptive options other than spermicides.
If you’re post-menopausal, Dr. Sargeant can recommend vaginal estrogen therapy to restore your body’s balance and reduce your risk of frequent UTIs.
For UTI support you can rely on, get in touch with Dr. Sargeant and the team at Monrovia Internal Medicine & Primary Care today. Call 877-254-4496 now, or schedule your appointment through our convenient virtual office.
