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For information about Cipro XR, please visit our Cipro XR Safety FAQs.
Q: It burns every time I urinate. Do I have a urinary tract infection?
A: Pain or burning is one common symptom of a UTI, but without a doctor's examination, you cannot be sure that that is what you have. See a healthcare professional immediately for a complete diagnosis. For help communicating openly with your doctor, fill out this Pre-Exam Checklist and bring it to your appointment.
Q: Are there any over-the-counter remedies for UTIs?
A: Some over-the-counter medicines are available for the pain that comes with a bladder infection. While these medicines may help relieve your symptoms while you are getting better, they will NOT get rid of the infection. Always consult your doctor first, and ask if such painkillers can be taken in conjunction with the antibiotic you've been prescribed.
Q: Are the symptoms of a UTI the same for everyone?
A: No. While most people experience burning and difficulty urinating, there can be differences in the way men and women experience UTI symptoms. For more information, visit Women & UTIs and Men & UTIs.
Elderly people are often asymptomatic when they have UTIs, except for dizziness and disorientation. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
A: Healthcare providers commonly prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs. Antibiotics, however, upset the pH balance of the vagina. This provides yeast, which naturally exists in your vagina in a small amount, the chance to multiply. Symptoms of a yeast infection include vaginal itching, thick white discharge (often cottage cheese-like), and, sometimes, a smell similar to baking bread.
If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately, who will most likely prescribe an antifungal treatment to clear up the yeast infection. Continue to take the entire course of your antibiotic therapy as well. Taking the pills for three or four days will cause symptoms to subside, but will not wipe out the bacteria. In fact, taking anything less than the full dosage could easily cause one or more recurrences.
Q: I get recurring UTIs and don't always get symptoms. How can I tell when I have one?
A: If you tend to get frequent UTIs, whether or not you experience symptoms, you may want to ask your doctor or healthcare provider about a special dipstick that can help determine if an infection is present. These dipsticks are now available without a prescription. If you test positive for a UTI, make an appointment to see your doctor or healthcare provider. If you experience symptoms of a UTI and your test is negative, you should still contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
Q: Why do I sometimes get a UTI when my husband and I go on vacation?
A: It's common for women to experience UTIs upon return from a honeymoon or other vacation because of the increased sexual activity sometimes associated with these times. Women who have recently embarked on an active sex life, either for the first time or more intensively than usual-as newlyweds, for example, or on vacation-frequently find themselves with UTIs. That's where the term "honeymoon cystitis" comes from. To learn more about how sex and UTIs are related, see Sex & UTIs.
Q: Can some forms of birth control cause UTIs?
A: Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms and diaphragms, can irritate sensitive vaginal and urinary tissue, and irritated tissue helps create an environment where bacteria can thrive. In addition, the active ingredient in most spermicidal foams and jellies, nonoxynol 9, kills some of the vagina's beneficial bacteria, allowing the bacteria that cause a UTI to colonize. A diaphragm can also press against the urethra and cause irritation. Some women are allergic to the latex in condoms or to the spermicides contained in some condoms. If recurring UTIs are a serious problem for you, and you think your contraception is the cause, consider changing your method.
Q: Can you have sexual intercourse if you have a UTI? What about oral sex?
A: UTIs are not contagious. They are contracted through bacteria entering the urethral opening, and if someone performs oral sex on you and you have a UTI, the person giving the oral sex will not contract the UTI. However, it is possible for bacteria to enter the urethra during this act and create or worsen a UTI. Oftentimes, a UTI can be uncomfortable and painful, and anything inserted into the vagina may cause irritation and the further need to urinate.
Q: Can using sex toys cause a UTI?
A: If you develop an infection after using a toy, the material of the toy may have caused the infection. Many toys are made out of latex, which can sometimes cause adverse reactions. If you know you have a latex allergy, you should only use products that are made of hard plastic or medical-grade silicone.
Be sure to clean all toys according to the manufacturer's instructions after every use.
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