How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?

If you think you need urinary tract infection antibiotics, then there are several symptoms and signs that you should be on the lookout for. As an overview, a UTI is basically a contamination or inflammation of any part of your kidneys, ureters, urethra or bladder. In most cases, the inflammation is in the lower part of the system, i.e. the urethra or the bladder.

Symptoms

Through Instant Consult, you can gain access to UTI antibiotics online, without ever having to leave your home. It’s important to note, however, that a contamination in your bladder or urethra won’t always manifest in physical symptoms. However, when such symptoms do become noticeable, most individuals recall the following:

• A need to relieve themselves more frequently
• A burning sensation when going to the toilet
• Discharging very little in the process
• Discharge that appears very cloudy or murky (sometimes containing blood)
• A strong, pungent smell
• Consistent pelvic pain (especially in women)

What causes this condition?

There are various known causes associated with developing an infection in one’s bladder or kidneys. If you think you need antibiotics for a UTI, you’re probably also wondering how you contracted it. Typically, it is caused by bacteria entering the urethra passage, which can spread quite quickly when in the bladder. When your internal defences fail, the bacteria can grow into a full-blow UTI, which then requires prescription medicine.

More women are afflicted by the condition than men, which is generally caused by two main bacteria:

Cystitis

This form of the condition results from the bacteria known as Escherichia coli (known more commonly as E. coli). E. coli is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. While sexual intercourse can further the risk of cystitis, many patients develop the condition without being sexually active.

Urethritis

This form of the condition occurs when GI bacteria from the anal cavity contaminates the urethra. Because of female anatomy, the female urethra is located closer to the anus (compared to male anatomy), rationalising why they are at a greater risk of developing urethritis. Moreover, STIs like herpes and chlamydia can cause urethritis.

Other risk factors

There are also several other factors that can enhance an individual’s risk of contracting cystitis or urethritis. Some of these include:

• Birth control: using a diaphragm can put some women at a higher risk
• Menopause: a decline in circulating estrogen can mean a woman’s urethra and kidneys are at a greater risk of contracting the condition
• A suppressed immune system
• Existing blockages
• Using a catheter

How can a UTI treatment online help?

The best method UTI treatment online is antibiotics. One of the main benefits of using UTI antibiotics prescribed by our online doctors at Instant Consult is the effectiveness of this UTI medicine. They are incredibly effective in most cases, unless of course you have developed a condition derived from a rarer bacterium. Sometimes, the bacteria can develop, evolve and become stronger, meaning a more traditional form of UTI medicine may not be as effective.

Why choose Instant Consult?

So, if you think you need antibiotics for a UTI, why should you choose Instant Consult? Well, if you live a very busy life, it can be hard to find the time to head round to your local GP. Likewise, your symptoms may be so severe that you need to see a doctor instantly, which can be difficult if the pain strikes over a weekend or public holiday.

Thankfully, Instant Consult provides access to fully qualified, Australian registered doctors, who possess the necessary experience to assist with your condition. We can connect you with a doctor day or night, 7 days a week, without you ever having to leave your home. Our seamlessly accessible app is also very easy to use, free to download from the Google Play or Apple iOS storefronts, takes less than a minute to sign up AND your local pharmacy will receive your prescription immediately after the consult.

In need of further information about UTI medication online? Get in touch with a telehealth doctor at Instant Consult today!