What is a bladder infection?
Many patients ask Dr. Gandhi about this condition. A bladder infection, commonly known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), is an infection that can cause a number of symptoms, including burning when urinating, the need to urinate often, and small amounts of urine when voiding. It occurs when bacteria settles in the urinary tract and multiplies. Some patients may experience recurring bladder infections, and this is when a woman experiences two or more infections within a six-month span. These infections can be rather uncomfortable, so early diagnosis and treatment is recommended to allow the patient to go back to their daily lifestyle with no interruptions.
How do you get a bladder infection?
Bacteria are typically the culprit, but each individual urinary tract infection is caused by an entirely different type of bacteria. Urine tests can help Dr. Gandhi determine the specific bacteria responsible for the infection and provide proper treatment accordingly. Some factors can increase one’s risk of developing a bladder infection, including sexual intercourse (which can introduce bacteria into the vagina), the use of catheters, pregnancy, and the use of diaphragms and spermicide.
How can you treat bladder infections?
Varied treatment options are available and may include the use of antibiotics over a long period of time. The most common method of treating a bladder infection is the administration of antibiotics. More importantly, prevention methods can be utilized in an attempt to avoid these recurrent UTIs before they ever occur. If bladder infections persist, Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology may investigate further to determine if the infections are a cause of an entirely different medical concern. Additionally, treatments should be as soon as possible to avoid the spreading of the infection to the kidneys where consequences that are more serious can result, including permanent damage to the organs.
Dr. Gandhi of Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology is ready to help patients who are dealing with bladder infections or recurrent urinary tract infections. By determining the underlying cause of the condition, Dr. Gandhi can help patients improve their quality of life and get back to their day-to-day activities without the discomfort and problems associated with UTIs.
