What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also frequently referred to as bladder infections or cystitis, are caused most often by bacteria. They are one of the most common health conditions affecting women and UTIs are responsible for at least 6 million health care visits annually. Depending on the cause and frequency of episodes, treatment may involve a combination of prescription and alternative medications and modalities.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

UTI symptoms are not the same for everyone and can change over your lifetime. Symptoms may include:

  • burning or pain with urination, back pain or flank pain
  • urinary frequency
  • pelvic pressure and/or sense of constant urge to urinate
  • hesitancy or difficulty urinating
  • a change in the appearance or smell of your urine
  • visible blood in the urine

Recurrent (or chronic) UTI

Unfortunately, many women experience lingering symptoms after treatment for a UTI or have frequent recurrence of their symptoms. Often, these patients are actually being overtreated with antibiotics, resulting in complications, including vaginal irritation & infections and a pattern of pelvic discomfort and reinfection.

It is essential to stop the cycle of recurrent infection and inflammation so that permanent resolution and healing can occur. This requires a careful analysis of urinary symptoms, determination of the bacterial cause, identification of any antibiotic resistance, along with pinpointing causative or associated factors. A combination of traditional and alternative treatments can then be employed to optimize immune health and to re-establish a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Acute UTI

In the majority of women who experience UTI, symptoms start abruptly and are treated effectively with a short course of antibiotics. While infections may occur again, this typically happens no more than once or twice per year, and usually responds rapidly to treatment.

UTI prevention

Fortunately, UTIs CAN be prevented much of the time without the need for multiple antibiotic courses. By restoring genitourinary health holistically, we can radically reduce or eliminate UTIs and improve pelvic health.

Sexually Transmitted Infections & Disease (STIs/STDs)

STD symptoms often overlap those of urinary tract infection. It is very important to identify and properly treat STDs to eliminate the risk of transmission and to prevent potential long term damage to reproductive health. All STDs can be cured or managed effectively with modern medications. Diagnosis and treatment can often be done discretely in your own home.

More About STIs

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