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UTI Testing Q & A
What is UTI testing?
UTI testing usually refers to lab tests that involve collecting a sample of urine. With UTI testing, the goal is to determine whether you have a urinary tract infection and help you get the appropriate medical care.
When do I need UTI testing?
Your provider may recommend UTI testing if you have UTI symptoms. These include:
- Frequent urination
- Frequent strong urge to urinate
- Burning or pain during urination
- Soreness in your lower belly, back, or sides
- Cloudy, dark, red, or pink urine
- Smelly urine
Hormone changes, urine composition changes, and your uterus pushing on your bladder can all lead to a UTI if you’re pregnant. But, any woman can develop a UTI at any point.
If you have these symptoms, you should schedule UTI testing right away. This can help you prevent the infection from turning into a very serious kidney infection. If you develop a kidney infection, you may also have fever, chills, and nausea.
What kind of UTI testing do I need?
South Valley Women’s Health Care offers several kinds of UTI testing. The most common tests include:
Urinalysis
With a urinalysis, the lab studies your urine sample. They perform various tests to check for signs of infection like bacteria and excessive white blood cells. Combined with your symptoms, a urinalysis can confirm you have an infection.
Urine culture
A urine culture is a more in-depth urine test that monitors your urine sample over 24-48 hours, looking for bacteria and yeast. A urine culture can detect the specific bacteria that cause your UTI, which helps medical providers prescribe the right treatment.
Depending on your symptoms, you may need other tests. For example, if you have ongoing UTIs, you may need an imaging exam of your urinary tract. Or, you may need a procedure like cystoscopy, in which the bladder and urethra are examined from inside the body.
What happens after UTI testing?
After UTI testing, your provider prescribes antibiotics that destroy the harmful bacteria. Usually, women take these drugs for around three days. You should finish your whole prescription, even if you feel better before the pills run out.
If you have ongoing UTIs you may need to take antibiotics in lower doses for longer. Lifestyle changes like urinating after sex, good grooming, and drinking plenty of water can help, too.
Call South Valley Women’s Health Care or book your appointment online today.