Vaginitis
What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis may cause itching, burning, a bad odor, or a large amount of discharge. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn).
Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are common, so if you think you have one, you’re not alone. Many women get them, and some get them often. Most are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics, which will relieve your symptoms quickly.
Symptoms of a UTI
Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection include:
- Urgency – You get the strong urge to pee that comes on suddenly.
- Pain/burning – As the urine flows, you may feel a sharp pain or burning. You may also feel soreness in your lower abdomen, in your back, or in your sides.
- Frequency – After you pee, you may feel the urge again just a few minutes later.
The infection may also affect your urine. It may:
- Have a strong odor
- Look cloudy
- Have a small amount of blood in it
Most urinary tract infections start in your lower urinary tract. Bacteria normally live in the skin near your anus or in your vagina, and sometimes they spread to your urethra. These bacteria may also move up to your urethra into your bladder causing a bladder infection called cystitis. You may also get an infection of your urethra called urethritis at the same time.
A woman’s anatomy makes you more prone to urinary tract infections than men. Your urethra is shorter and closer to your anus than a man’s, which means bacteria can reach it more easily.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
You can also develop UTIs if your bladder doesn’t empty completely, which can be caused by:
- A stone in your ureters, kidney, or bladder that blocks the flow of urine
- A narrowed urinary tract that slows the flow of urine
- A problem with the muscles or nerves in your pelvis
Other conditions may make you more prone to develop UTIs, including:
- You've had a UTI before
- You have had several babies
- You have diabetes
- You're going through menopause
- You're pregnant
If you’re pregnant and you think you have a UTI, it’s important to see your doctor for treatment right away. An untreated UTI could cause problems for both you and your baby.
Kidney Infections
The bacteria that cause a UTI may move up your ureters into your kidneys, resulting in a kidney infection. Symptoms of a kidney infection include:
- Back pain
- Chills and fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to call your doctor right away. Kidney infections can be serious and need to be treated right away.
Treating and Preventing UTIs
Your doctor will treat your UTI with antibiotics. The type depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. If you develop a severe infection or a kidney infection, you may need to spend time in the hospital where you can receive IV treatment.
To reduce your risk of getting a urinary tract infection:
- Keep the skin around your anus and genital area clean.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Empty your bladder every few hours.
Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills may also decrease your risk of getting a UTI.
If you think you have a UTI, make an appointment with your doctor. Treatment will relieve your symptoms and prevent a more serious infection from developing.
Screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C During Pregnancy
Hepatitis. It’s one of those medical words you may have heard, but never understood. And if you’re pregnant, it’s a word you might hear at your first prenatal visit. Screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis
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