What Are the Common Causes of UTIs?
&srotate=0)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common, with many people likely to experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. However, for some men and women, UTIs are a chronic or recurrent problem. While certain risk factors for UTIs may not be preventable, there are some causes of UTIs that can be avoided. Having knowledge of the causes and risk factors for UTIs is often helpful for preventing subsequent infections. Looking for information about the most common causes of UTIs? Find the answers here from Jacksonville, FL board-certified urologists, Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian, and the knowledgeable team at Kasraeian Urology.
What causes UTIs?
Most UTIs develop as a result of bacteria entering the urinary tract. There are many bacteria that can be responsible for a UTI, with E. Coli being one of the most common UTI-causing bacteria. While many people assume that poor hygiene is to blame for UTIs — and it can be, in some cases — there are actually a wide range of causes and risk factors that are associated with the development of a UTI. These include:
- Having a history of previous UTIs
- Urologic conditions, like BPH or kidney stones
- Sexual activity
- Poor hygiene
- Poor toilet habits/hygiene
- Wearing thong underwear
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Hormone fluctuation
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTI symptoms can vary from person to person and even from case to case, with some infections presenting without symptoms. Still, there are certain signs and symptoms that are fairly common in patients with an active UTI. These include:
- Burning on urination
- Fever
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
- Constant feeling of needing to urinate
- Painful urination
- Stinging while urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Dark urine
- Strong odor to the urine
How is a UTI diagnosed?
If you suspect a UTI, it is important to have a formal diagnostic evaluation to confirm your UTI and to identify which bacteria are present, as well as which antibiotics will be effective against that particular bacteria. While a urinalysis and urine culture can help to answer some of these questions, they may not provide a complete picture of your UTI and, in the case of a urine culture, may take several days to return the results. This can delay your treatment and symptom relief.
At Kasraeian Urology, we are proud to offer the state-of-the-art PCR urine test for UTIs. With a PCR urine test, patients simply provide a urine sample, and comprehensive results regarding the offending bacteria and antibiotic sensitivities will be available the same day. This allows Dr. Kasraeian to prescribe an effective antibiotic right away, often providing relief from UTI symptoms within 24 hours or sooner.
How can I prevent future UTIs?
Knowing what may be causing your recurrent UTIs can help you to modify certain behaviors to lower your risk for a repeat infection. If hormones, an underlying condition, or another variable is contributing to your recurrent UTIs, Dr. Kasraeian can work closely with you to develop a long-term treatment plan for minimizing your risk for UTIs.
Break free from UTIs with the PCR urine test and UTI treatment in Jacksonville, FL
If you are looking for rapid relief and same-day UTI results, the PCR urine test available at Kasraeian Urology may be the answer. To learn more about your options for UTI diagnosis and treatment in Jacksonville, FL, call to schedule your consultation with board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian today.