Urinary Tract Health

Do you know the signs of a urinary tract infection? Many people are unaware of the symptoms of this common type of infection. Here is what you should know.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system including your kidneys, bladder, and ureters.

How common is a UTI?

According to the Urology Care Foundation, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. About 10 in 25 women and 3 in 25 men will have symptoms of a UTI during their lifetime.

Do you know the signs of a urinary tract infection?

If you have a UTI you may experience pain or burning when you urinate. Your urine may look cloudy or smell bad. Other signs include pelvis pain in women, urine that appears red, bright pink or dark-colored, pressure in your lower stomach, the urge to go to the bathroom often, or you may pass small amounts of urine often.

What should I do If I think I have a UTI?

Visit a urologist to help you decide the best treatment options. Most UTIs are not serious, but some can lead to serious problems like kidney infections. The most common care or treatment for a UTI is antibiotics.

How can I reduce your risk of UTI?

Dr. Eric Klein, urologist at Adventist Health Tillamook encourages his patients to drink more water, urinate often, drink unsweetened cranberry juice, take probiotics, speak to your doctor about antibiotics and other tips to avoid infection.