A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is an infection that can show up in different parts of your urinary tract, like your kidneys, bladder, or urethra. UTIs can happen as a result of sex, hygiene habits, or a multitude of other reasons- it isn’t always clear why they occur. These infections are common, especially among women. Some people are predisposed to UTIs, because of the shape of their urinary tract, due to a lower immune system, and many other causes. Although a UTI can happen as a result of sex, it is not an STD; it is the result of bacteria entering the urinary tract. If you’ve noticed a constant urge to pee, changes to the color and odor of your urine, a fever or chills, it’s important to listen to these signs from your body and reach out to your gynecologist. While UTIs are common, they can affect your kidneys and bladder, so it’s a good idea to face them head on as soon as you notice any symptoms. Luckily, the treatment is usually pretty simple- your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to combat the infection and even a pain medicine to help with the discomfort.
