The American Urological Association estimates that eight million Americans visit the doctor every year for UTI treatment. In addition to being painful, UTI’s increase your risk of more serious urologic health problems. At Greater Hartford Urology Group, the team of caring urologists regularly consults with men to diagnose and treat UTIs. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, or you have difficulty urinating, make an appointment by calling one of the offices in Hartford, Enfield, or Glastonbury, Connecticut, and speaking with a friendly team member or booking online today.
A urinary tract infection or UTI occurs when there’s an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your bladder. Without treatment, the bacteria can spread to your kidneys or the tubes that help drain them, causing an infection.
UTIs usually affect women, but men get them, too. Fortunately, they’re relatively easy to treat and respond well to prescription antibiotics.
UTIs usually occur suddenly with very little warning. Common telltale signs of UTIs include:
If the UTI spreads to your kidneys, you might also experience a fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, or pain in your back or sides that doesn’t ease.
Most UTIs occur as a result of the bacterium E. coli entering your urethra. The urethra is a tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.
You’re also more likely to develop UTIs as you age. In fact, one of the main causes of UTIs in men is benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition causes your bladder to enlarge and pinch off the neck of your bladder. When this happens, it’s difficult for your urine to flow freely. If your bladder doesn’t empty completely, bacteria can take hold and multiply.
Other factors that increase the risk of UTIs include:
You’re also at an increased risk of developing a UTI if you experience fecal incontinence.
To diagnose a UTI, your Greater Hartford Urology Group provider asks about your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and conducts a physical exam. Your provider also takes a urine sample and examines it for bacteria or pus. If your provider suspects an enlarged prostate may be to blame, a digital rectal exam (DRE) might be performed.
Treatment for a UTI usually involves taking a prescription antibiotic. Your provider might also encourage you to make healthy lifestyle changes to lower your risk of reinfection in the future. For example, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, exercising regularly, and managing your blood sugar levels can keep your bacteria levels in check.
To schedule a UTI appointment at Greater Hartford Urology Group, call the office or book online today.
