“Spotting” is a term that’s often used to describe vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods. If you have spotting, you might notice a small amount of bright red blood in your underwear or when you use the bathroom.
Spotting is common among women between the ages of 15 and 45. But if you don’t have a menstrual cycle, or you notice other symptoms along with spotting, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs affect women and men of all ages, and they’re one of the most common types of infection. Although UTIs usually aren’t a sign of something more serious, they can cause complications like kidney infection or chronic bladder pain. Trust our team at Advanced Urology for expert diagnosis and treatment to prevent UTI complications at our offices in Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Culver City, and San Pedro, California.
UTIs are infections that develop in part of your urinary tract. An infection in your urethra, bladder, or ureters is considered a UTI.
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
Some people develop chronic UTI, which is an ongoing infection or frequently recurring infections. Along with the symptoms of acute UTI, chronic UTIs can cause spotting or blood in your urine.
Severe UTIs can spread to your kidneys. If you develop a kidney infection, you might notice kidney pain, nausea, or a fever.
UTIs don’t go away on their own. In fact, they may get worse, and the infection could spread elsewhere in your body without proper care. Seeking prompt medical care is the best way to stop the infection and prevent UTI complications like kidney infection.
If you notice signs of a UTI, our Advanced Urology team is equipped to diagnose and treat it so you start feeling better. Most acute UTIs resolve with a course of prescription antibiotic medication.
If you’re dealing with chronic UTIs or ongoing bladder pain, you may benefit from a longer course of low-dose antibiotics. Our team may recommend at-home urine tests throughout treatment or prescribe medication to take when you have sexual intercourse to help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Be sure to take all of your medication, even if your UTI symptoms disappear during the course of treatment. Finishing your antibiotic is the only way to ensure the infection is gone and avoid UTI complications.
UTIs are painful, but there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk and prevent complications. Drinking plenty of water every day keeps your body hydrated, and it also helps dilute your urine and increases your need to urinate.
Frequent urination helps flush harmful bacteria away before infection develops. In the same way, be sure to urinate after having sexual intercourse to lower your risk of UTI. Avoid using irritating feminine products, like deodorant sprays or douches, as these can aggravate your urethra and lead to infection.
Stop UTI symptoms and avoid painful complications with care at Advanced Urology. Whether you’re bothered by occasional or frequent UTIs, we’re here to help. Contact our team online or call one of our offices today.
