Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Specialist in NYC

Q: What symptoms are associated with urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) usually cause symptoms such as increased urgency to urinate, inability to empty the bladder or pass more than a small amount of urine, pain or burning when urinating, urine that looks cloudy or has a pink tint, urine that has a strong odor. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to the kidneys where it can cause chills, fever, vomiting and pain in the lower back.

Q: How will my UTI be treated?

Most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics; it’s important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if you’ve begun to feel better. If the infection is caused by a structural defect or another underlying issue, other types of treatment may be needed to clear the infection and prevent it from recurring.

Maiden Lane Medical

Multi-Specialty Group Practice located in New York, NY

UTIs (urinary tract infections) commonly known as bladder infections, require prompt care to prevent more serious infections from developing.

Maiden Lane Medical is skilled in the latest methods for diagnosing UTIs and identifying the specific germs that cause them, so their New York City patients can receive custom treatment for optimal urinary system health. Call today to schedule an appointment!

“The team was phenomenal and it was a straight forward experience. I came in early and they were able to accommodate me. I was in and out and received quality care.”

Adam

What is a UTI?

A UTI (commonly referred to as a bladder infection) is a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tracts, which include the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys.

When untreated, the infection can travel to your ureters and kidneys and cause kidney infections. UTIs are common women’s health issues. Around half of women will have a UTI at some point during their lives.

What symptoms are associated with urinary tract infections?

UTIs usually cause symptoms such as:

increased urgency to urinate
inability to empty the bladder or pass more than a small amount of urine
pain or burning when urinating
urine that looks cloudy or has a pink tint
urine that has a strong odor

UTI Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection which causes chills, fever, vomiting, and pain in the lower back.

What causes a UTI?

UTIs are extremely common, mostly affecting women. In most cases, a UTI develops when large numbers of bacteria (the most common culprit is Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) enter the urinary tract and start multiplying. This lowers the body’s natural immune defenses and results in inflammation and irritation. In a few cases, they may be caused by a virus or a fungus.

Rarely, a urinary tract infection can be caused by a defect in the structure of the urinary tract that makes it easier for bacteria to become trapped and multiply. For example, anatomical abnormalities in the bladder are potential UTI risk factors. Bladder tumors, stones, and other foreign bodies like kidney stones, surgical sutures, or catheters, can act as a nidus or “sanctuary space” for bacteria.

Additionally, some women have “stickier” bacterial receptors on the urothelium (bladder lining). This means that bacteria have an easier time attaching and holding on to the bladder lining, even if you’re hydrated, urinate regularly, and practice excellent genital hygiene. The stickiness of bacterial receptors tends to wax and wane throughout your life. This could be due to fluctuating hormone levels. Women tend to be more prone to UTIs in their 20s and then post-menopause.

Other factors that contribute to your risk of UTIs

Here are some other factors to keep in mind regarding how you may get a UTI:

Wiping from back to front

Wiping from back to front essentially pushes bacteria from the anal/rectal area into the vagina and the urethral opening. The closer the urethral meatus is to the interior of the vaginal vault, the greater the risk of infection in general.

The bigger the distance between the urethra and vagina lessens the risk of UTI from any cause. Of course, this is anatomical and cannot be changed. Women with the greatest risk of UTIs have what are called “urogenital sinuses,” where the urethral opening is just inside the vaginal opening.

Sex

Sex is the most significant UTI risk factor for younger sexually active women. Bacteria find their way from the anal/rectal vault to the vagina. The act of intercourse literally pushes bacteria from the vaginal vault into the urethra. You can counteract this risk by urinating after sex to flush your urethra.

Constipation or diarrhea

Messy stools, increased straining, and flatus can increase the number of bacteria in your anal/rectal area. Poor wiping or genital hygiene can increase the risk of that bacteria spreading to your urethra.

Uncontrolled diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can increase your risk of UTIs in several ways. First, the disease can diminish your circulation and damage your bladder nerves, resulting in loss of bladder contractability and urinary retention.

Diabetes is also immunosuppressive, which interferes with your natural immune response to bacteria. Uncontrolled diabetes also increases the amount of sugar in your urine, which provides a perfect growth media for bacteria.

Dehydration

Drinking plenty of water helps you generate a urine stream and flush out bacteria along with other liquid waste products.

Holding on to your urine

Waiting too long to urinate for urinary retention is a significant UTI risk. The longer the bacteria have to replicate and penetrate into the bladder wall, the less likely one is to rid themselves of the infection when they finally do void. Additionally, overfilling the bladder makes it less efficient when it contracts, leaving a “post-void residual” which can act as a “cesspool” of bacteria remaining in the bladder

Birth control

Using certain types of birth control, like a diaphragm, can compress the urethra and potentially interfere with the complete emptying of the bladder after sex. Diaphragms are not recommended for women who get recurrent post-coital infections

Pubic hair and panties

Ideally, you should keep your genital area clean. Certain types of underwear, like spandex, nylon, or thong panties, can increase the chances of bacteria reaching your urethra. Additionally, while pubic hair isn’t a bad thing, it can trap bacteria, which could then spread to your urethra during sexual activity. We recommend breathable cotton underwear and keeping your pubic hair trimmed.

Spinal cord injury

When the spinal cord is injured, it can affect the nerves that control bladder function. This can lead to problems with emptying the bladder completely, which creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause infection.

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How will my UTI be treated?

Most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics even if you’ve begun to feel better. If the infection is caused by a structural defect or another underlying issue, other types of treatment may be needed to clear the infection and prevent it from recurring.

How can I prevent a UTI from occurring?

Drinking lots of fluids every day is the best way to keep your urinary tract healthy and flush out potentially harmful germs. It is also a good idea to urinate after having sex to prevent UTIs from occuring.

Some studies suggest that cranberry juice may be beneficial due to its potential to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, it’s essential to note that cranberry juice alone may not be enough to prevent UTIs entirely, so it’s still important to follow other preventive measures such as:

Always wipe from front to back
Keep your genitals clean
Don’t wear tight underwear
Don’t wear sweaty gym clothes or wet bathing suits for longer than necessary

Also, be sure to have an exam at the first sign of symptoms of a urinary infection and get treatment as early as possible.

If you have painful urination or find blood in your urine, make an appointment right away.

Schedule an Appointment with Maiden Lane Medical Today!

Prioritize your urinary health today. Contact Maiden Lane Medical for expert guidance, personalized care, and comprehensive solutions to prevent and manage UTIs. Schedule an appointment now to ensure a healthy and comfortable urinary system.

“The team was phenomenal and it was a straightforward experience. I came in early and they were able to accommodate me. I was in and out and received quality care.”