For men and women, the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases with age. At Advanced Urology Group of South Florida, the team evaluates and treats UTIs with equal concern for short-term relief and long-term health by prescribing antibiotics and diagnosing their underlying causes. To receive treatment for a UTI and prevent them from happening in the future, call the office in Delray Beach, Florida, or use the convenient online booking tool today.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when microbes, most commonly bacteria, infect the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. UTIs are far more common in women than men, with men accounting for only about 20% of diagnosed cases, and they’re extremely rare in young men.
Men and women over 50 are at an increased risk for UTIs. As we age, we become more prone to health issues that make it harder to flush out bacteria when urinating.
Often, older men get UTIs because they have enlarged prostates, which can trap bacteria in the bladder. Men who are uncircumcised or who have diabetes are also at greater risk of contracting a UTI.
Older women also are at higher risk of developing recurrent UTIs, particularly after menopause when most women developed dryness in the vagina (atrophic vaginitis).
UTI symptoms come on suddenly and include:
A UTI may also reflect other health issues that are trapping bacteria in the urinary tract. When untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys or upper urinary tract. If your infection spreads to your kidneys or upper urinary tract, you may experience more serious symptoms, such as:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible, both to prevent the infection from spreading and to diagnose any underlying conditions.
At Advanced Urology of South Florida, your doctor discusses your symptoms, performs a urinalysis, and diagnoses any underlying conditions that may have contributed to your UTI.
If you have a UTI, your doctor prescribes antibiotics, which you’ll need to take for the full course of treatment (14 days) in order to kill all the bacteria, though your symptoms should start to improve after two or three days. Your doctor will also help develop a treatment strategy to address any related health concerns.
If you think you may have a UTI, call Advanced Urology of South Florida or schedule an appointment online.