Urinary Tract Infection
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Daniel Kushner, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology located in White Plains, NY & Queens, NY
If you’re suffering from a burning feeling when you urinate, you may have a urinary tract infection, commonly called a UTI. At Daniel Kushner, MD, in White Plains and Queens, New York, Dr. Kushner offers treatment for women with urinary tract infections. For relief from your UTI, call the office or schedule an appointment online.
Urinary Tract Infection Q & A
What is a urinary tract infection?
When you have an infection in any part of your urinary system, it’s considered a UTI and can affect your:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Ureters
- Urethra
Urine passes through each of these body parts before it exits your body. When bacteria gets into the urine, it begins to grow and spread.
UTIs have specific names for each part of the urinary system they affect. A bladder infection is called cystitis, a UTI in the urethra is called urethritis, and pyelonephritis is an infection in your kidneys.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
The telltale signs of a UTI are burning and itching when you urinate. Other symptoms include:
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong odor
- Urgency to urinate
- Increased need to urinate
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Back pain
- Cramping
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Chills
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Dr. Kushner will diagnose your UTI after he evaluates your symptoms and collects a urine sample.
What causes UTIs?
The overwhelming majority of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli bacteria that are prevalent in your large intestine and around your anus. Because of the proximity of the E. coli to your urethra, it’s easy for the bacteria to enter the urinary system and travel up to the bladder or kidneys. To avoid pulling bacteria forward, women are encouraged to wipe from front to back.
Sexual intercourse is another leading cause of UTIs because it, too, introduces bacteria into your urinary system.
What treatment options are available?
Dr. Kushner can quickly resolve your UTI with a course of antibiotics. He encourages women to develop the following habits to help prevent future UTIs:
- Stay hydrated to keep the urinary tract flushed
- Empty your bladder regularly
- Urinate before and after sex
- Clean your genitals before sex
- Shower rather than bathe
- Avoid certain types of birth control like spermicidal jellies or diaphragms
- Wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement
UTIs can make you feel miserable. Whether it’s your first time with a UTI or you’re prone to recurrent infections, Dr. Kushner cares and can help. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online.
