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UTI stands for urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection of the urinary system. While a typical UTI involves the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra, it can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys.
Both men and women in Denver can get UTIs, although they tend to be more common in women. Not all UTIs cause symptoms; they are hard to miss when they do. A bacterial infection in the bladder or urethra can be painful and frustrating. However, when it spreads to the kidneys, it can cause significant complications.
The symptoms of an STD will vary based on the type of infection. Some common signs include:
Infections in the kidney can include new symptoms, such as”
There are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI, such as being sexually active, specific types of birth control, including a diaphragm or spermicide, or going through menopause. Using a catheter can also increase the risk, or having a recent procedure that impacts the urinary tract.
UTIs can also indicate an underlying condition, such as diabetes or other diseases, medications that suppress the immune system, and urinary tract blockage.
Myth: UTIs are not technically sexually transmitted—the bacteria do not transfer from one partner to the other. Sexual activity does increase the risk of getting a UTI, though. Sex can place bacteria near the urethra, allowing these pathogens to enter the urinary system. Urinating after sex can reduce this risk by flushing the urethra.
UTIs are the second most common infection in Denver and throughout the country and cause more than eight million visits to the doctor each year. Ten in every 25 women experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime. For men, that number is three in every 25.
Children are also prone to urinary tract infections. They impact about 2.5% of children, typically under five. UTIs are also common among older people. More than 10% of Colorado women over 65 experience them each year. That number goes up to 30% after the age of 85.
In the U.S., UTIs cost the taxpayers and insurance providers around 1.6 billion dollars annually. They lead to 1 million visits to the emergency room and over 100,000 annual hospitalizations.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in Colorado healthcare and can lead to higher overall treatment costs. However, currently, there is a 92% resistance rate to at least one antibiotic and an 80% resistance rate to two or more.
The standard test for a UTI is urinalysis. The patient provides a urine sample. A dipstick test will check for markers that indicate infection, such as nitrites and leukocyte esterase. These suggest the presence of white and red blood cells in the sample. In addition, the provider might do a microscopic urinalysis to confirm the presence of bacteria and white and red blood cells. In most cases, they will also visually inspect cloudiness or color in the urine.
With confirmation of the UTI, a urine culture may be necessary to determine what pathogen is causing the infection.
In Colorado, you can order a UTI test without a provider’s order. Learn more about ordering your own UTI testing online. We use PCR testing for our UTI test because it is the most reliable. PCR methodology offers a 99% accuracy rate and allows same-day results in Denver and other areas.
The standard treatment for a UTI is an antibiotic. If the PCR test confirms a UTI, our experienced providers can prescribe an antibiotic tailored to target the specific bacteria identified, ensuring a more effective treatment plan.
Take control of your health by ordering STD and UTI testing online with no upfront provider visit.
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