Have you been experiencing some discomfort in your pelvic region lately?
There’s a good chance that you could have a urinary tract infection (UTI). This type of infection is common, especially in women. A whopping 50-60% of women will contract a UTI in their lifetime.
Though getting a UTI isn’t unusual, it’s still a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
The longer a UTI goes untreated, the worse the symptoms will get. It can become excruciatingly painful, and eventually cause other complications. Anti-biotics are needed to cure it.
If you’re asking the question, “do I have a UTI?”, you’re probably experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms. Read on to learn about the early warning signs.
One of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection is a pain in the pelvic region or lower back.
In the beginning, it can feel like a sharp twinge every once and a while. Something you experience when you move or stretch a certain way. Eventually, it can progress to a constant sharp pain.
Before the UTI has progressed, your urine might appear “cloudy” or darker than usual in color. Dark urine can just be a symptom of dehydration. But, if it’s coupled with pelvic pain, it’s a good chance it’s actually a UTI.
Drink extra water to see if that lightens your urine. That’s a good idea even if you know it’s a UTI. Doctors agree that keeping hydrated can help slow the progression of the infection while you await treatment.
Another tell-tale UTI symptom is pink or bloody urine. If that’s the case, come to Coastal Urgent Care of Bossier right away.
One annoying symptom of a UTI is the frequent and overwhelming urge to urinate. You may go to the bathroom only to feel like you desperately need to go again minutes later.
It’s inconvenient to constantly have to go to the bathroom but resist the urge to stop drinking fluids. As mentioned above, keeping hydrated is the way to go in the long run.
The only thing more frustrating than constantly excusing yourself to go to the bathroom? Not feeling any relief when you get there.
Though you may constantly have the urge to go, you may be only able to pass very small amounts of urine at a time.
Finally, a very common early UTI symptom is pain and/or burning when you urinate. At the first signs of this, see a doctor at Coastal Urgent Care of Bossier right away.
This pain will only become more intense. It can also progress very quickly. A small pain today can often become excruciating by tomorrow.
If you’re asking “do I have a UTI?” it’s probably time to see a doctor. Left untreated, a urinary tract infection can cause serious complications in the kidneys.
Checking for a UTI only requires a simple urine test that you can get right away at urgent care. If you’re in the Bossier City area, contact us for an appointment or just walk in. We’re here to help!
