In some cases, the doctor might decide not to prescribe antibiotics because the infection is mild. If that is the case, make sure you follow the doctor’s recommendation regarding the suggested course of treatment, which might include over the counter pain medicine like Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol.
Even if you take all the measures necessary, you might get a urinary tract infection. If you are experiencing any of the typical UTI symptoms, make sure you consult with your doctor here at Antidote Health.
Through an online consult we will be able to help you. Our doctors will be able to determine whether you need treatment with over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, or if you might need further testing to rule out conditions that have some shared symptoms with UTIs.
From the symptoms above it is possible to see how anyone might mistake a UTI for something else. Even the most obvious symptoms like cloudy or strong-smelling urine, can be confusing, especially if it is the first time you experience a UTI.
Additionally, there are a few other factors that might make you miss a UTI:
- The age of the person who is experiencing the infection – UTIs are commonly missed among seniors and sometimes even among babies, toddlers, and children.
- The part of the body you might be feeling pain from, especially when you suffer from other ailments or conditions.
So, what causes a urinary tract infection? The simple answer is bacteria that should not be anywhere in the urinary system. In many cases, this bacteria comes from fecal matter.
Bacteria can get into the urethra in different manners. These are the factors that increase the risk of having a UTI. You will notice that some affect women specifically, and since the female urethra is shorter, the infection also has a greater chance of going up the urinary tract:
- Lack of proper hygiene – proper hygiene in the genital area is the lowest hanging fruit when it comes to UTI prevention.
- Sexual intercourse
- Pregnancy
- A weakened immune system
- Lack of fluids – you should drink enough water throughout the day as this makes your body produce more urine and expel it, “washing” bacteria that could be accumulating along the urethra.
- Kidney stones
- Urinary catheters
There are also some factors that can make children and men with certain conditions susceptible to a UTI. All of the following are associated with pressure on the bladder or conditions that prevent you from emptying your bladder entirely:
- Constipation – can happen to everyone regardless of age or gender.
- Enlarged prostate – which affects men and tends to affect older men more than younger men.
- Any other condition that can result in pressure being exerted on the urinary tract.
Now that you know more about UTI symptoms, how they present themselves and what may cause a urinary tract infection, you might be wondering how to prevent one. Apart from the simple steps discussed above – hydrating properly and focusing on hygiene.
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