Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Dr. J. Kyle Mathews and his staff treat patients with urinary tract infections at their North Dallas urogynecology office

Most patients who come to our North Dallas urogynecology office have routine urinary tract infections, which we diagnose through a urinalysis, but some patients have more complex cases. Dr. J. Kyle Mathews, our board-certified urogynecologist, is trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating this common condition in women.

Routine infections

Most healthy women we see at our North Dallas urogynecology office have what are considered routine urinary tract infections—infections that are uncomplicated by a medical condition, an anatomical abnormality or other circumstance. For these patients, antibiotics usually cure the infection in two to three days. After the patient has finished all of the antibiotics prescribed to her—it is critical that she take every pill—she may come back to our North Dallas urogynecology office for a follow-up urinanalysis to determine if the infection is gone.

Complicated infections

Patients who have certain risk factors may develop complex urinary tract infections. For example, patients who have a weakened state of health, a urinary tract abnormality or an infection that has become severe may need different treatment and even hospitalization.

When urinary tract infections are caused by a functional or structural abnormality in the urinary tract, more intensive diagnostics may be required. Some of the tests we might perform include:

  • Kidney or bladder ultrasound
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Urodynamics
  • Cystoscopy
  • Voiding cystourethrogram

Many of these tests can be performed at our North Dallas urogynecology office. Finding the cause of the infection is the key in these cases.

Severe urinary tract infections may require hospitalization to provide the patient with intravenous fluids and medications. Serious infections may require antibiotics for a month or more.

Infections during pregnancy

Urinary tract infections that occur during pregnancy require extra precautions because the infection can be risky for both baby and mother, including low birth weight and preterm birth if left untreated. Pregnant women should seek treatment if experiencing any symptoms–burning or pain during urination; pain during sex; increased frequency or urgency to urinate; pelvic discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen. Your physician will carefully choose antibiotics that will not harm your baby when treating your UTI.

Easing the pain

Antibiotics are a fast and effective treatment for urinary tract infections, but we also like to advise patients we see at our North Dallas urogynecology office on ways they can relieve their pain while they are waiting for the medication to take effect. Our advice? Drink water, but avoid caffeinated drinks, soft drinks, citrus juices and alcohol. Try a heating pad for aches and pains, and take an over-the-counter analgesic as directed. You should be feeling better soon!

Never neglect a urinary tract infection—contact our North Dallas urogynecology office for an appointment if you suspect a problem

Urinary tract infections are very treatable, so contact us at our North Dallas urogynecology office if you are experiencing problems or symptoms.