Urinary Tract Infection
Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, they are also very serious and must be treated promptly. At Dr. Sayyed, we offer comprehensive women’s health services and our compassionate, professional team is proud to offer the best treatment of urinary tract infections in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago.
What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?
The most common cause of a urinary tract infection is the presence of bacteria from the anus in the urethra—the vessel in which urine empties from the bladder. Bacteria from the anus can get into the urethra in a few ways—during sexual encounters, wiping from the back to the front instead of vice versa when using the toilet, and in those who struggle with incontinence issues. The specific bacteria that cause urinary tract infections is most often E. coli.
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A urinary tract infection can also occur as a secondary diagnosis alongside certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, where the bacteria from the STD gets into the urethra.
The Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection often comes along with some rather unpleasant symptoms that are quite uncomfortable for the patient. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
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Urinating more frequently than usual
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Burning sensations while urinating
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Painful sensations while urinating
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Urinating with blood
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Difficulting emptying the bladder
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Dark-colored urine
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Pressure on the pelvis
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Pelvic pain
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Back pain
Not all women who are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection will experience all of the above symptoms—you may only experience one or two of these.
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If you are experiencing more serious symptoms, such as a high fever of 100° Fahrenheit and above, or debilitating pain that interrupts your daily routine, contact our office at Dr. Sayyed immediately.
Diagnosing a Urinary Tract Infection
At Dr. Sayyed, we diagnose urinary tract infections with a sample of your urine. Our laboratory staff will analyze your urine and check for infection-causing bacteria. If bacteria is detected, we will perform further testing to determine the type of bacteria for the appropriate treatment of the urinary tract infection.
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When treated for a UTI, the symptoms usually subside within just a day or so, however, we always urge our Chicago patients to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed.