14 VITALITY Fall 2023 UROLOGY Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? If so, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI. They happen when bacteria from the skin or rectum gets into the urinary tract. Along with discomfort, cramps and frequent urination, you may have pink urine, caused by blood from the infection. Anyone can get a UTI, but they are more common in women. Prompt treatment is important. If the infection spreads, it can cause a kidney infection, which is much more serious. Fever, back pain, nausea or vomiting are common symptoms of a kidney infection. WHAT YOU CAN DO Here are ways to reduce your chances of getting a UTI: » Urinate after sexual activity. » Drink plenty of fluids daily. » Take showers more frequently than baths. » Avoid or minimize the use of powders or other products on the genital area. “I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of water and other non-sugary fluids throughout the day to maintain a healthy urinary tract,” says Mark Walterskirchen, M.D., with the CMH Urology Surgical Clinic. “When you become dehydrated, your body produces less urine, and you use the bathroom less frequently. This gives more time for bacteria to grow in your urinary tract and cause a painful situation that could lead to further complications. There also may be some benefit to cranberry tablets and prebiotic D-mannose in preventing urinary tract infections.” How to prevent and treat UTIs Mark Walterskirchen, M.D. Expert urology care Mark Walterskirchen, M.D., a urologist with the CMH Urology Surgical Clinic, is one of the few surgical urologists in the region who offers specialized urology procedures, such as: » InterStim™ and Botox® bladder therapy for female incontinence and voiding issues. » Xiaflex® injections for Peyronie’s disease and prostate cryoablation for prostate cancer. » UroLift® for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). » Complex robotic procedures for kidney, prostate and bladder diseases. For more information about urology care at CMH or to schedule an appointment, call 417-326-2550. TREATMENT Talk to your health care provider as soon as you suspect you have a UTI. You may receive a prescription for antibiotics. Be sure to take all the prescribed doses, even if you feel better. Also drink plenty of water and other fluids. Your doctor can recommend medicine for reducing pain and discomfort. If you think you have a UTI, contact your primary care provider. If you don’t have a provider, you can find one by calling 417-328-6010 or visiting citizensmemorial.com. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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