Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment in Boca Raton, FL

A Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in the urinary system that is typically found in the bladder. Urinary tract infections are more often found in women than men. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be painful and uncomfortable but can be easily treated by Dr. Schwartzwald when caught early on.

Urologist David Schwartzwald, MD specializes in UTI treatment for patients in Kings Point, Deerfield Beach, and Parkland. Visit our urology clinic in Boca Raton, FL to learn more about UTI treatment and schedule your appointment today!

What are the Types of Urinary Tract Infections?

• Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis): a severe kidney infection that includes symptoms such as high fever, bloody/cloudy urine, and nausea and vomiting
• Bladder (cystitis): inflammation of the bladder caused by a bacterial infection, which typically results in frequent and painful urination
• Urethra (urethritis): burning urination with discharge

Symptoms

It is important to stay vigilant of the following signs and symptoms to help identify if you are in fact expressing signs of a urinary tract infection:

• A burning feeling when you urinate
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Frequent, small amounts of urine
• Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
• Fever or chills
• Pelvic pain (more common in women)

If you experience one or more of these common UTI symptoms, contact Dr. Schwartzwald’s office in Boca Raton as soon as possible to receive early intervention and treatment.

What are Considered Recurrent UTIs?

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) refers to either :

• Having 2 or more infections in six months or
• Having 3 infections in one year

UTIs are common, with over 50 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime.

Who is at Risk?

You may be at risk for a UTI if you have one of the following factors:

• If you have kidney or bladder stones
• If you are sexually active and bacteria gets into the urethra
• Your estrogen levels are changing during menopause
• You have problems with the urinary tract shape or function
• You have an inherited risk of developing bladder infections
• You have a family history of UTIs

What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?

The most common cause of a urinary tract infection is when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and spreads toward the bladder. This bacteria can quickly multiply to reach the point of becoming a serious infection of the urinary tract. If the infection is not treated, it may continue to affect the kidneys and their function. Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men due to the fact that females have a shorter urethra, which allows for a quicker introduction of bacteria to the bladder.

How Are Recurrent UTIs Diagnosed?

If Dr. Schwartzwald thinks you may have an issue with recurrent UTIs, you may be asked to provide:

• Your medical history about past UTIs
• A urine culture to identify the bacteria causing your infection
• An examination with a  special camera to view the inside of your bladder
• An ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate your kidney anatomy

It is important to get the answers you need so you can move forward with treatment for your recurrent UTIs. There can be a number of reasons you are prone to UTIs and you can trust Dr. Schwartzwald to get you the answers you need to help treat your UTIs.

What is the Treatment for Recurrent UTIs?

If it is determined that you have recurrent UTIs, there are a number of treatment options. Talk with a urologist about your preferences, concerns, or areas where you would like to focus treatment.

Determine a Cause

The most effective treatment for recurrent UTIs is to identify the underlying cause. This can vary depending on the patient, so you can talk to Dr. Schwartzwald about your symptoms and lifestyle to determine a cause.

Low-Dose Antibiotic

A low-dose antibiotic can be taken for at least six months and up to two years to help kill the bacteria. You may also opt for antibiotics taken on an as-needed basis like after sex or starting at the first sign of a UTI.

Estrogen Therapy

Vaginal estrogen therapy can help for issues related to vaginal dryness after menopause. During menopause, your body undergoes physical changes that may need treatment to avoid a UTI. For example, there are decreasing levels of estrogen, which can alter the microbiome in the vagina and bladder and put you at risk for infection.

Lifestyle Changes

There are also many lifestyle changes that may give you relief from UTIs.

These lifestyle changes include:

• Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, to help flush out bacteria
• Urinating often, especially when you feel the need
• Wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement
• Taking showers rather than baths
• Gently washing the skin around your vagina and anus daily using a mild soap and plenty of water
• Using forms of birth control other than a diaphragm and spermicides
• Emptying your bladder as soon as possible after sex
• Avoiding use of deodorant sprays or scented feminine products in the genital area
• Consuming cranberry products to help avoid infections