UTI Treatment Specialist in Lehigh Acres FL

UTIs occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract, which consists of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The bacteria can cause infection and inflammation anywhere along this system. While UTIs are more common in women, anyone can develop one.

The following symptoms can be associated with a UTI:

• Frequent urination, often in small amounts
• Burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
• Urgent need to urinate (urgency)
• Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• Pelvic pain in women
• Lower abdominal pain

For a proper diagnosis, Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui, MD, PA will take a comprehensive approach that includes:
 
• Reviewing your medical history and symptoms: This information helps us create a comprehensive picture of your health and proactively address any UTI risks.
• Performing a physical examination: This may include a pelvic exam for women to assess for tenderness or abnormalities.
• Conducting a urinalysis: This is a simple test that analyzes your urine for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and other abnormalities that may indicate a UTI.
• Urine culture (in some cases): If the urinalysis results are inconclusive or your UTI seems more complex, a urine culture might be needed. This test helps us target the infection precisely. By identifying the specific bacteria, we can choose the most effective antibiotic to get you feeling better faster.

The primary treatment for UTIs is antibiotics. The results of your test will help us determine the most effective antibiotic to fight your infection. Feeling better doesn’t mean the fight is over! Stopping antibiotics early can make the infection come back stronger. Take them all as prescribed by your doctor for complete recovery. Finishing your entire course of antibiotics helps prevent bacteria from becoming resistant, making future UTIs easier to treat.
 
Managing UTI Symptoms While on Antibiotics
While the antibiotics work to eliminate the infection, you can help manage your symptoms and promote healing with these tips:

• Staying hydrated is key to fighting UTIs: This helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. Strive to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
• Urinate frequently and don’t hold it in: Emptying your bladder frequently helps prevent bacteria from multiplying.
• Consider cranberry juice: While not a replacement for antibiotics, studies suggest it can help prevent bacteria from clinging to your bladder walls. However, cranberry juice can interact with certain medications, so consult your doctor before drinking it.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort caused by UTIs.
• Heat wrap: Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen can help relax muscles and ease discomfort associated with UTIs.

Here are some lifestyle changes you can adopt to reduce your risk of developing UTIs:

• Practice good hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to avoid urinary tract infections. Wiping from front to back is key.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids throughout the day helps dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
• Empty your bladder: When you urinate, try to empty your bladder. Don’t hold back urine.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse: Empty your bladder soon after sexual activity to expel any bacteria that might have been introduced.
• Choose comfortable, loose-fitting underwear: Wearing tight-fitting clothing can trap moisture and create a conducive environment for bacterial growth. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear.
• Consider taking cranberry supplements: Some studies indicate that cranberry supplements may help prevent UTIs. Discuss this option with your doctor to see if it’s right.

Most UTIs respond well to antibiotics. However, if you experience a UTI along with any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Fever
• Intense pain in your lower abdomen or back
• Trouble urinating or inability to urinate
• Blood in your urine (large amounts)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent UTIs (more than two to three per year)

Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui, MD, PA is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for patients experiencing UTIs. He understands the discomfort and disruption a UTI can cause, and strives to get you feeling better. We serve patients from Lehigh Acres FL, Fort Myers FL, Buckingham FL, Cypress Lake FL, Gateway FL, Cape Coral FL, Palmona Park FL, Alva FL, and BEYOND!