Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections, especially for pregnant and postmenopausal women. If you’ve ever had one, you know how uncomfortable they can be. Even if you haven’t, you probably still have questions — especially about how to avoid them!
This month, our team at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, answers the most common UTI questions we hear in our office on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
A UTI is an infection that occurs anywhere along your urinary tract, including your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract, especially your bladder.
UTIs can cause a range of symptoms, including:
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, your symptoms may become more severe. You may experience indications such as a fever, back pain, nausea, or chills.
Interestingly, in severe cases, you may lose the ability to urinate. This is called urinary retention and happens if infection-related swelling limits your urethra’s ability to function. If you spot this symptom, seek medical care immediately.
UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, often from your gastrointestinal tract. Most UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Women are more prone to UTIs due to their anatomy, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily.
Some mild UTIs may resolve on their own. According to a 2025 article, 20% of uncomplicated, mild UTIs resolve without any intervention other than increased hydration.
That said, most (i.e., 80%) UTIs require antibiotic treatment to fully clear the infection and prevent complications.
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. Your OBGYN Westside provider may also recommend drinking plenty of fluids and taking steps to relieve discomfort while your infection clears.
Tip: If your provider prescribes antibiotics, take the full course as directed, even if you start to feel better.
You can reduce your risk of UTIs by:
Even if you have a UTI, continue to practice these prevention steps to help prevent future infections.
Yes, teen girls can absolutely develop UTIs, and they’re fairly common during adolescence. Hormonal changes, hygiene habits, and becoming sexually active can all increase the risk. Symptoms are similar to those in adults, including burning with urination, frequent urges to go, and pelvic discomfort.
If your teen is showing these symptoms, seeking care early helps ensure quick treatment and prevents the infection from progressing.
You should seek care if you notice symptoms of a UTI, especially if they persist or worsen. Prompt treatment with the right antibiotic can help prevent the infection from spreading.
If you’re pregnant, our team can prescribe pregnancy-safe medication for you.
At OBGYN Westside, our team provides prompt diagnosis and effective treatment for UTIs for all women, including adolescents, pregnant women, and postmenopausal women. In addition to antibiotic treatment, we provide guidance to help you prevent future infections.
If you suspect you have a UTI, contact us by calling our office or using our online booking tool today.
