Urinary Tract Infections 101

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If you are a woman, you have likely experienced that uncomfortable burning sensation that accompanies a urinary tract infection. Here is what you should know about the symptoms and treating it.

What Does A Urinary Tract Infection Feel Like?

With most urinary tract infections, there is a distinct telltale sign — burning when you go to the bathroom. But not every urinary tract infection is caused by the same bacteria, and sometimes there will be no burning. Aging can also reduce the burning sensation. Here are some other common signs of a Urinary Tract Infection:

What Other Conditions Cause Burning With Urination?

No matter how many times a woman has had a urinary tract infection, she should never self-diagnose or try to treat it on her own. This is because it may not be a urinary tract infection. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause burning. It may be pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to sterility. It may be bladder or kidney cancer, or undetected diabetes. Don't just assume it's "only a bladder infection."

How Is A Urinary Tract Infection Treated?

In recent years, people have become more interested in alternative or natural medicine, home remedies, and things like essential oils and herbs. Magazine articles tout the benefits of cranberry juice or adding baking soda or apple cider vinegar with "the mother" to your water. Discount stores sell over-the-counter "urinary support" tablets that turn your urine orange and reduce the burning sensation.

Unfortunately, none of these things are going to cure a urinary tract infection. In fact, all these things will do is give the infection time to spread. If a urinary tract infection reaches your kidneys, it will make you quite sick. You could end up in the hospital. In some people, a kidney infection can even be fatal. Do not try to treat it yourself.

A urinary tract infection requires a trip to the doctor. Don't wait for an appointment. Instead, visit your nearest walk-in or urgent care clinic such as MED7 Urgent Care Center. Antibiotics are the only thing that is going to take care of the infection.


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