Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back
• Nausea or vomiting

Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI or for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Yes, most urinary tract infections can be treated over telehealth. Our doctors may require a urine sample, which can be ordered electronically. You may go to any Quest, Labcorp or other lab of your choice to provide the urine sample. If antibiotics are needed, your telehealth doctor can send these prescriptions electronically to any pharmacy of your choice.

Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine. 

Some people are at higher risk of getting a UTI. UTIs are more common in females because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Other factors can increase the risk of UTIs:

• A previous UTI
• Sexual activity
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as enlarged prostate
• Poor hygiene, for example, in children who are potty training
• Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina. For example, menopause and use of contraceptives can cause these bacterial changes. It is also important to note that the use of contraceptives as a prevention against pregnancy can have other health and moral consequences. Talk to one of our doctors for further clarification.

You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently – allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
• For family planning needs, use  natural fertility awareness methods, also known as natural family planning. At  MyCatholicDoctor, we offer instruction on many different methods of fertility awareness. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss these options.