Frequent Urinary Tract Infections: How to Talk to Your Doctor

May 8

You’ve felt it all too many times. The unmistakable pain and burning that accompanies what should be a routine trip to the toilet. Dealing with frequent urinary tract infections is not only extremely uncomfortable, untreated it can lead to more serious ailments as well as directly impact your emotional well-being.

What causes frequent urinary tract infections?

For men 50 and older, chronic UTIs are more common which can be due to an enlarged prostate which doesn’t allow the bladder to fully empty or if there is an obstruction such as a catheter in use for a prolonged period of time. Any obstruction in the urethra, natural or unnatural, can introduce bacteria into the bladder.

In women, frequent urinary tract infections can be related to their anatomy: the urethra (where urine exits) and the anus are within close proximity to the vagina and can more easily transport bacteria to the urethra and eventually the bladder. During sex, bacteria can enter the vagina which is why UTIs sometimes recur after sexual activity. Additionally, women are more predisposed after menopause, due to hormonal changes.

Only an antibiotic can cure a UTI

While at-home remedies such as cranberry supplements may to help to prevent a UTI, only an antibiotic can successfully eradicate the infection.

Current research is showing that some urinary tract infections are becoming antibiotic-resistant which may be why your infection remains after a course of prescribed antibiotics. The good news is there is new MODERN testing which can pinpoint the specific bacteria causing the urinary tract infection and then prescribe the antibiotic treatment that will successfully rid the bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract.

Talking to your doctor

When bladder infections become all too frequent visitors, it’s important to communicate all the facts to your healthcare provider so they can order the appropriate testing and properly treat the infection to help keep it from returning.

It can be inconvenient and extremely uncomfortable to wait for an appointment with your healthcare provider while dealing with a urinary tract infection. It’s also tempting to just take left over antibiotics or just get a prescription online without any testing. If you have repeat UTIs, getting to the root cause is critical.

While you wait for your appointment, you may find some relief in some OTC pain relievers such as Cystex or Azo, which are formulated for those dealing with pain from urinary tract infections.

5 Things to do before your doctors appointment

Try to remember when your last urinary tract infection occurred and write down the dates. If you can’t remember, that’s fine! Call the healthcare facility where you received treatment and request your test results as well as a list of the prescribed antibiotics. They can easily send you this information and bring all documentation with you to your appointment.
Write down all of your symptoms – there are a variety of ways UTIs can rear their ugly heads in individuals. For example, do you have burning while peeing, lower abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, mental confusion? All of the above? List your present symptoms as well as those from previous infections so your healthcare provider can make an accurate assessment.
Make a list of any medications and supplements you already take including any antibiotics you may take for recurrent UTIs.
Think about any behavior or environment preceding the symptoms of your UTI. Were you sexually active? Are you pregnant? Were you dehydrated after completing desert vision quest? By noticing any patterns, this may help you and your doctor find ways to prevent future infections.
Do your research and read up on recurrent and chronic UTI information and testing options . You’ve already gotten an A by reading this blog. However, there are dozens of articles from recognized online medical sources on prevention, testing, and treatment of bladder infections.

FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR FREQUENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

If you are not feeling heard, or your symptoms minimized, its always good to seek alternative care or specialist as recommended by a urologist specializing in women’s urinary health. Unfortunately with chronic conditions like UTIs, medical gaslighting can be common.

Arming yourself with the knowledge of your personal medical history as well as familiarity of up-to-date UTI testing, like the MyUTI Test, can be the key in preventing or even eliminating frequent urinary tract infections.

Developing a rapport of respect and trust with your doctor is key to your treatment and if you feel your concerns remain unheard, find a healthcare provider who will listen and together you can create a lasting wellness plan.