Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) PCR Testing

According to a study published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, about half of all women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lifetime. While UTIs typically don’t cause anything more than mild discomfort, they can cause more serious symptoms if left untreated. In fact, a UTI can even become life-threatening if bacteria moves from the infected kidney into the bloodstream. Thankfully, it is typically quite easy to treat UTIs – as long as they are detected early enough with UTI PCR testing. To help out the large percentage of people who will be forced to deal with a UTI at some point in their life, we’ll explore everything you need to know about UTI PCR testing, including how this testing procedure works and the symptoms to watch for if you think you might have contracted a UTI.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is defined as any infection that occurs in a part of the urinary system, including infections in the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Most UTIs occur in the bladder or urethra, and these infections typically only cause mild discomfort. However, a UTI is much more serious and can even become life-threatening if it originates in or spreads to the kidneys. UTIs are much more common in women than they are in men, with only about 3% of men contracting a UTI each year.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a good idea to get test for a UTI:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A persistent urge to urinate
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy or has a strong smell
• Blood in your urine/urine that is red or bright pink
• Pain near the center of the pelvis and around the pelvic bone

How Are UTIs Treated?

As a bacterial infection, UTIs can typically be cured with a round of antibiotics. UTI symptoms often go away within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment, however, it can sometimes take a week or more for symptoms to clear entirely. In addition to prescribing an antibiotic to treat the infection, your physician may also prescribe pain medications to help with pelvic pain and the burning pain from urination.

UTI Prevention Measures

While a prescription for antibiotics is typically all that is required to cure a UTI, prevention is often the best approach for those who experience UTIs on a frequent basis. Effective UTI prevention measures include measures such as:

• Drinking plenty of liquids to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract before an infection can set in.
• Wiping front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement in order to avoid transferring bacteria from the anal region to the urethra or vagina.
• Urinating after sexual intercourse.
• Avoiding birth control methods such as diaphragms, spermicide, and spermicide-treated condoms.
• Avoiding potentially irritating feminine products such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders.

How to Get Test for a UTI With St. Jude Labs

If you are experiencing any symptoms that would lead you to believe that you have contracted a UTI, it is a good idea to get tested as soon as possible. Following a positive test, a physician will be able to prescribe you an antibiotic that should clear up your symptoms in a matter of days. The longer you wait, though, the more serious your symptoms are likely to become. While the consequences of a UTI are typically nothing more than pain and discomfort, it is important to keep in mind that a UTI can become far more concerning if it is left untreated and allowed to spread to your kidneys. Thankfully, we at St. Jude Labs are committed to helping our patients detect UTIs as quickly as possible through UTI PCR testing services. If you are experiencing any UTI symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment for UTI testing with St. Jude Labs today.