Prescriptions for UTIs Online: Treatment and Diagnosis

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that occur when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection can begin when your urethra or bladder (lower urinary tract) have an intestinal bacterial infection (often E. coli). The infection can spread to the ureters, then to the kidneys (upper tract infection); these are more serious.

UTIs affect women much more often. Self-diagnosis is confusing, since the symptoms may resemble those of an STI (sexually transmitted infection) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. The migration of bacteria from the perianal region to the urethra is one of the main routes by which UTIs develop, particularly in women.

The most common urinary tract infection in women is bladder infection, or cystitis. One third of all women will be affected at some point in their lives.

Studies have shown that birth control pills don’t increase your risk of developing a UTI. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality stated in a topic briefing that: “Risk factors for recurrent UTI are well-established, and do not include oral contraceptive use.”

Birth control methods with spermicide, such as diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicide gels or creams, and spermicide-coated condoms can be linked to an increased risk for UTIs, caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus, after adjusting for risk factors such as history of UTI, frequency of sexual activity and number of sexual partners.

UTIs are caused by micro-organisms or germs, usually bacteria. The different types of UTI can include:

• Cystitis: bladder infection
• Urethritis: infection of the urethra
• Pyelonephritis: kidney infection

The main symptoms of a UTI include:

• painful urination or a burning sensation during urination
• cloudy urine
• increasingly urgent or frequent urination
• smelly urine
• urinating more often than usual during the night

Inadequate personal hygiene may promote bacterial growth on the genital surfaces, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial replication and infections.

If infection reaches the kidneys (pyelonephritis) , prompt medical attention is needed.  In addition to the general symptoms of a urinary tract infection, a person suffering from a kidney infection may also present the following symptoms.

• chills
• fever
• middle back pain (pain in the back, right under the ribs)
• vomiting.

Having sex during a urinary tract infection may increase your discomfort. However, each person is different, and this recommendation may vary. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a urinary tract infection online doctor at Medecindefamille.ca and get an online prescription tailored to your situation.

For treating urinary tract infections, several oral antibiotics are effective and provide pain relief. The most commonly prescribed medications are:

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• Fosfomycin (single-dose small powder pouch)

However, your doctor will choose the appropriate antibiotic treatment based on:

1. Your general health
2. The severity of the infection
3. The type of bacteria found in your urine, if you have done a culture

Your medical prescription may include a single-dose treatment or a periodic treatment to prevent future infections. The single-dose treatment consists of only one dose, but it is usually less effective.

In men, UTIs may be caused by several factors. Poor hygiene, prostatitis, or a urinary obstruction may contribute to the appearance of these infections. Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects many men as they age. An enlarged prostate can lead to a serious infection.

UTIs in men cannot be treated virtually. If you feel symptoms such as burning while urinating, pelvic pain, or a frequent urge to urinate, quickly consult a UTI specialist in person.

Without treatment, a urinary tract infection can last several days, even weeks, and often complicate. With adequate antibiotic treatment, symptoms may disappear within 48 to 72 hours. However, it is important to follow the initial prescription to the letter, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of the treatment.

Several preventive measures can help reduce the risk of UTIs:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Urinate regularly
3. Avoid vaginal douching
4. Maintain good hygiene
5. Urinate immediately after having sex

Measures aimed at preventing the proliferation of bacteria include emptying the bladder regularly, adopting good hygiene practices, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Furthermore, regularly seeking medical care and taking urine samples to diagnose UTIs may allow for early detection and treatment. Following this key advice means avoiding the risks of complications due to your infection.

One of our doctors will assess you and prescribe you an antibiotic treatment according to their clinical judgement and diagnosis. After a complete assessment of your symptoms by one of our online doctors, they will prescribe you a rapid UTI treatment suited to your clinical situation. You will then be able to pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, all within a few minutes.

We can also advise you on the health products to use in addition to your treatment, as well as the preventive measures to take to avoid a recurrence. Natural treatments or remedies such as drinking cranberry juice or using cranberry-based food supplements can help prevent recurring UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder.

Whether you have recently had sex, you are currently undergoing treatment, or you are looking for a preventive treatment, contact our online doctor for your urinary tract infection!

Choose to speak with a doctor immediately or select the time that suits you the best to make an appointment for a UTI.

Simply visit our website and select the teleconsultation option. You can speak with one of our online doctors immediately or choose the time that suits you the best to make an appointment.

We are at your disposal to answer all your questions and support you in your UTI treatment. Whether you are professionally active, pregnant, or in the last days of your treatment, our team of health professionals is here to guide you.