Urinary tract infection should i go to the er

What is a kidney infection? Am I at risk for getting kidney infections? You may be at greater risk due to the following: Behavioral: If you are sexually active , using spermicide and diaphragms or holding urine Being Female: In women, there is a smaller distance between the anus and urethra making it easier for bacteria to get into the urinary tract and cause infection Genetic: You may have an inherent risk for developing bladder and kidney infections Biological: If you are postmenopausal or have urinary incontinence , glycosuria a condition where urine contains more sugar than it should — most common for those with diabetes or an enlarged prostate Abnormal Anatomy: If you have a structural or functional abnormality, such as a spinal cord injury, a backward flow of urine called vesicoureteral reflux , or a misshapen urinary tract or bladder What does a kidney infection feel like?

Is there anything I can do to prevent a kidney infection? Here are some ways you can help avoid an infection: Wipe from front to back. Drink plenty of water to help flush the urinary tract. Avoid using spermicide and diaphragms , and choose another form of birth control, such as lubricated condoms. Use the bathroom after sex to reduce bacteria that colonizes the urethra. Sussman added. Postmenopausal women who develop recurrent cystitis may benefit from vaginal estrogen to reduce vaginal dryness.

Is it safe to take antibiotics long-term to prevent recurring infections? Urology Kidney. During sex, large numbers of the bacteria can be introduced into the bladder by the infected individual and this will mark the start of the infection.

The symptoms of UTIs very from one individual to another. The severity of the infections depends on a number of things. People with weakened immunities for example, are at a higher risk that individuals with strong immunity. Men with enlarged prostates are at a higher risk as well. The symptoms will also depend on whether the infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract infection.

Here is a look at the most commonly reported symptoms of UTIs;. Flank pain is associated with kidney problems. Flank pain is felt on the side of the abdomen close to where the kidneys are located. When the flank pain gets severe, it means that the UTI has affected the kidney and you need to get emergency medical care.

If the flank pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then this should be indicative of a full blown urinary tract infection in the upper urinary tract.

Vomiting becomes frequent when the kidney is greatly affected and if the infection is not treated, it can lead to kidney failure and possible death. There is an urge to pass urine more often. Bacteria can be introduced into the opening of the urethra, possibly through contact of Escherichia E. A kidney stone or other blockage can also cause an infection. For men, an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra and cause an infection.

A flatworm that infects the urinary system can cause UTIs. This could be more likely if you have done international travel recently. Certain kinds of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause UTIs. And finally, some birth control methods can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection. You may be given a sanitary wipe to clean with and then instructed to gather a sample for testing.

The tests, done in our in-house laboratory, may determine the type of bacteria involved which will help the physician determine the correct treatment. Recurring UTIs may require specialized testing to determine the cause.

Your physician may discuss the need for additional testing with you. It is important to go to a freestanding emergency clinic that can diagnose and treat a urinary tract infection before it becomes worse. Those over the age of 65, children, pregnant women and those with weak or compromised immune system should also go to see a doctor right away. With prompt treatment, which usually consists of antibiotics, patients can generally recover from a UTI within a few days and can get back to feeling better.

If you do not get a diagnosis, the infection can spread and you can experience very serious complications.