Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

Mind, Body & Spirit Med Center

Suzanna Dotson, MD

Family Medicine & Addiction Medicine located in Pembroke Pines, FL

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are more prevalent in women than you may realize — one in two women will suffer from this type of infection at some point in her life. And often, one in five women experience a second UTI, while others are plagued incessantly. Whether you’re suffering your first infection or your fourth, Dr. Suzanna Dotson at Mind, Body & Spirit Med Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida can help you find relief. If you think you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection, call or schedule an appointment online today.

954-328-3768

Urinary Tract Infection Q & A

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, such as your kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. It’s most common for your infection to involve the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections?

Your urinary tract infection won’t always have signs and symptoms. But when it does, your symptoms could include:

A strong, persistent urge to urinate
A burning sensation when urinating
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Urine that appears cloudy
Urine that appears red, bright pink, or cola-colored (a sign of blood in the urine)
Strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain

What causes urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria in your anal region spreads to your vagina and urethra due to their proximity to each other. Bacteria, like E.coli, can enter your urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. If your bladder infection doesn't get treated, the bacteria can infect your kidneys.

How can you prevent urinary tract infections?

There are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting a UTI, which include:

Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water
Drinking cranberry juice
Wiping from front to back
Emptying your bladder soon after having sex
Avoiding potentially irritating feminine products
Changing your birth control method (diaphragms and unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms can contribute to bacterial growth)

How are urinary tract infections treated?

Dr. Dotson tests your urine for bacteria that typically causes UTIs. If your urine sample comes back positive, she prescribes antibiotics to kill off the infection.

It’s important to finish off the prescribed cycle of medicine completely — even if you feel like your infection is gone before you finish the pack. Dr. Dotson recommends drinking lots of water to help flush the bacteria from your system. She can prescribe medication to help with pain as well.

If you suspect you might be suffering from a urinary tract infection, call Dr. Dotson or schedule an appointment online.

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