- Main Page
- Risk Factors
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Screening
- Reducing Your Risk
- Talking to Your Doctor
- Living With UTI
- Resource Guide
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with urinary tract infections. By talking openly and regularly with your healthcare provider, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your healthcare provider:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
About Urinary Tract Infections
- Do my symptoms sound like a urinary tract infection?
- How might I have contracted this infection?
- Is there any chance that this is a more serious kidney infection?
About Your Risk of Developing Urinary Tract Infections
Do I have any risk factors for urinary tract infections?Im a man. Might I have some underlying problem that caused me to develop a urinary tract infection?My child has a urinary tract infection. Might he or she have anatomical defects in the urinary system? (In young children, anatomical defects are a common cause of UTIs in both sexes. In older children, this changes with more girls having UTIs by virtue of being female.)About Treatment OptionsWhat kind of treatment do you recommend?Are there any self-care treatments I can practice?What can I do to relieve my discomfort?How will I know if the infection is gone?About Lifestyle ChangesHow much water do you recommend that I drink?Do you recommend cranberry juice? How much?I get a lot of infections just after I have sexual intercourse. What can I do to prevent this?Can I use my hot tub?About Your OutlookHow will I know if the infection is progressing or becoming complicated?What symptoms would warn me that the infection is moving up and affecting my kidneys?Im pregnant. Do I need to worry about any complications for the baby or me?What preventive measures for UTIs would you recommend in the future?Might I benefit from prophylactic antibiotics? References: American Foundation for Urologic Diseasewebsite. Available at: http://www.auafoundation.org/auafhome.asp .
Griffiths 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 2001 ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseaseswebsite. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ . Last reviewed January 2007 by Jill D. Landis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
