--- title: Urinary Tract Infections date: 2021-06-09T13:31:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Admin canonical_url: "https://www.schneckmed.org/conditions/urinary-tract-infections" section: Conditions --- ![woman holding hands around pelvis in pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_50x19_crop_center-center_none/230619_Schneck_FullCond_UTI_HERO_1500x600.jpg) # Urinary Tract Infections Common symptoms include painful urination and lower pelvis pressure. ## What is a Urinary Tract Infection? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an [infection](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/infectious-disease) that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Males and females of all ages can have a UTI, but they do appear more frequently in women. The good news is due to the infection’s common nature, doctors can pretty easily diagnose and treat a UTI. ## UTI Symptoms One of the most well-known and obvious symptoms of a UTI is localized pain during urination, however, there are other signs to watch for. - Frequent urination - Uncontrollable urination - Smelly/cloudy urine - Bloody urine - Lower pelvis pressure If you experience symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to seek care to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. ![woman holding her head and her stomach in pain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/230619_Schneck_FullCond_UTI_RCB_Symptoms_750x450.jpg) ## What Causes a UTI? When bacteria enter the urinary tract, infection can occur, causing a range of symptoms, which is why you should note these causes. - Poor hygiene like wiping back to front in bathroom - Sexual activity especially with a new partner - Bacterial changes from conditions like menopause - System blockages such as an enlarged prostate - Weakened immune system leaves body susceptible Of course, there are good and bad bacteria, so maintaining a [healthy lifestyle](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/lifestyle-medicine) can help you notice irregularities in narrowing down causes of discomfort. ## UTI Testing To diagnose a UTI, your primary care doctor will do a physical examination and then determine if you need further testing. For example, they may use a urine sample to get a urinalysis that checks nitrites and white blood cells or a urine culture that checks present bacteria. While these tests may sound similar, a urine culture helps indicate the best treatment. ![man talking to doctor](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Conditions/_40x50_fit_center-center_none/230619_Schneck_FullCond_UTII_RCB_Testing_750x450.jpg) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Primary Care Providers Our local providers offer care you can count on. ![Terri Agan](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/TerriAgan.jpg) ### Terri J. Agan, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/terri-j-agan) ![Doctor Baker](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrBaker.jpg) ### D. Robert Baker, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/d-robert-baker) ![Bret Cornn](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/BretCornn.jpg) ### Bret A. Cornn, PA-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/bret-a-cornn) ![Rhonda Fountain](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/RhondaFountain.jpg) ### Rhonda L. Fountain, FNP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rhonda-l-fountain) ![Doctor Hartung](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrHartung.jpg) ### David J. Hartung, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/david-j-hartung) ![Doctor Ryan Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRyanHennessy.jpg) ### Ryan S. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/ryan-s-hennessy) ![Doctor Rebecca Hennessy](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrRebeccaHennessy.jpg) ### Rebecca R. Hennessy, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/rebecca-r-hennessy) ![Amy Jackson](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/AmyJackson.jpg) ### Amy E. Jackson, PA-C Urgent Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/amy-e-jackson) ![](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/ProfVelvet-copy.jpg) ### Velvet M. Schmidt, AGPCNP-C, FNP-BC Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/velvet-m-schmidt) ![Dr. Desha Secrest](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DashaSecrest4-3x3.jpg) ### Desha Secrest, MD Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/desha-secrest) ![Kirby Stacks](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/KirbyStacks-copy.jpg) ### Kirby E. Stacks, NP-C Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/kirby-e-stacks) ![Dr Stephanie Williams](https://d188lfxfyq6i9j.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Doctors/_25x25_crop_center-center_none/DrStephanieWilliams-300x300.jpg) ### Stephanie Williams, DO Primary Care [View Info »](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors/stephanie-williams) [View All Providers](https://www.schneckmed.org/doctors) ## How to Treat and Prevent UTIs A variety of antibiotics including the following are typically prescribed to treat UTIs since the body can develop resistance. - Doxycycline - Nitrofurantoin - Amoxicillin - Sulfonamides - Cephalosporins If you become prone to UTIs or simply want to prevent them, there are some [proactive measures](https://www.schneckmed.org/blog/urinary-tract-infections-uti-what-to-do-and-how-to-prevent-them) you can take. - Maintain cleanliness - Stay hydrated - Pee promptly - Avoid spermicide - Wear cotton ## Get Back on Tract [Schneck Primary Care](https://www.schneckmed.org/medical-services/primary-care) is here to help keep your urinary system running smoothly. While a UTI may be painful, thankfully it is treatable. Talk to your provider about solutions that make sense for your body. [Call (812) 522-1613](tel:812-522-1613)