The top OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA has seen it all before, first, you go to the bathroom to pee and it starts to burn. If this is happening to you, it is most likely that you are suffering from a UTI which is causing the pain.
A UTI can be an uncomfortable, painful experience, and many women are embarrassed to ask their doctors about treating the UTI. A UTI isn’t necessarily dangerous, however, it must be treated as soon as possible or it may cause a dangerous infection to your kidneys. If you do get an infection, it can enter your bloodstream and that is when it can become life-threatening. Infections to the kidneys can lead to kidney scarring and damage.
Your urinary tract can become infected from bacteria that are outside of your body which will cause your urinary tract to become inflamed. Not only will your bladder and urethra be infected, but, as mentioned earlier, your kidneys as well. Due to their anatomy, women are more susceptible to experiencing a UTI, this is because a woman’s urethra is most likely to come into contact with the e. coli bacteria that is present in the anus since the urethra is closer to it, this will make it easier for the e. coli bacteria to infiltrate into the urinary tract.
UTI’s can sometimes not be prevented. Luckily, diagnosing them is relatively easy to do, due to the discomfort and intensity of the symptoms. You should make an appointment straight away with your OBGYN as soon as possible if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
The main option for treatment is antibiotics, they are the most effective form of treatment and it is the only way to fully eliminate a UTI that has been proven to work. However, some habits can be developed by you to relieve symptoms quicker and help to prevent infections in the future.
Cranberry juice: it is thought that cranberries contain a specific ingredient that will discourage any bacteria from attaching to your urinary tract’s walls. Unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, and dried unsweetened cranberries can reduce the risk of contracting a UTI.
More water: when you have a UTI, urination becomes more painful, however, your body will flush out more bacteria from your urinary tract when you urinate more often. So go ahead and drink as many drinks that are non-caffeinated as possible, water is the most preferable.
Pee when you need to: you will be giving the bacteria in your urinary tract to stay when you start to hold in your urine, this can cause the bacteria to grow. So, use the bathroom whenever you need to, even if it is a small stream.
A top OBGYN can help if you believe that you are suffering from a UTI. You should make an appointment as soon as possible in order to be treated and prevent the infection from getting worse.
Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.
