Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about bladder-related problems. Half of all women will develop urinary tract infections in their lifetimes. The infection is relatively easy to treat, but it is important to seek treatment.
Dr. Philippe Zimmern, a urologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you should see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms like frequent or especially urgent urges to urinate, sharp pain during urination or cloudy urine. You may also feel soreness in the lower abdomen, back or sides. Treatment usually involves antibiotics. If a urinary tract infection isn’t treated, it can spread to the kidneys. You can help prevent an infection with good personal hygiene. Wash daily, and wipe from front to back when you use the bathroom. Washing before and after having sex may also help prevent infection.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/urology to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in urology.
