Understanding UTIs
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract and multiply, causing infection. UTIs are common and treatable, but recurrent infections can be frustrating and disruptive. Dr. Libby treats acute UTIs quickly and helps identify why you keep getting them so he can prevent future ones.
UTI Symptoms
- Painful, burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination, day and night
- Urgent need to urinate, with small amounts passed
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Strong, unpleasant urine odor
- Pelvic pain or pressure, especially in women
- Fever or chills (may indicate kidney infection)
Acute UTI Treatment
When you call with UTI symptoms, we may start antibiotics immediately if infection is likely based on your history and urinalysis. Most uncomplicated UTIs clear within days of antibiotic treatment. We culture your urine to confirm the bacteria type and antibiotic sensitivity, ensuring you're on the right medication. Complete your full course of antibiotics even if you feel better—stopping early can lead to resistant infections.
Recurrent UTI Prevention
If you have more than 2-3 UTIs per year, Dr. Libby investigates why. Common causes include:
- Incomplete bladder emptying (from obstruction or weak bladder muscle)
- Anatomic abnormalities that trap urine or bacteria
- Hormonal changes affecting bladder lining (especially in women)
- Kidney stones creating stagnant urine pockets
- Sexual activity patterns (more common in women)
- Chronic catheter use
Prevention Strategies
Once we understand your risk, Dr. Libby creates a prevention plan tailored to you:
- Lifestyle measures: Hydration, urinating after intercourse, avoiding irritants
- Topical estrogen: For postmenopausal women, improves bladder lining health
- Prophylactic antibiotics: Low-dose antibiotics after intercourse or before procedures if appropriate
- Cranberry products: May reduce recurrence in some women
- Imaging and cystoscopy: To identify anatomic issues needing correction
- Surgical correction: For obstructions, stones, or significant anatomic problems
Special Situations
Men rarely get UTIs without an underlying problem. If you have a UTI, we investigate for prostate infection, kidney stones, obstruction, or other issues. Pregnant women with UTI symptoms need prompt treatment to prevent kidney infection. Catheter users need different management strategies. Dr. Libby tailors your approach based on your specific situation.
When to See Dr. Libby
- Symptoms suggesting a UTI—don't delay treatment
- Recurrent UTIs (3+ per year)—time to investigate the cause
- UTI with fever or flank pain—may indicate kidney infection
- Difficult-to-treat or antibiotic-resistant UTIs
- UTI in men—warrants urologic evaluation