Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of life’s cruel, yet common, conditions that have you racing to the bathroom, only to be frustrated by a meager few drops of urine that burn as they exit. Although they’re fairly common, UTIs can lead to some pretty serious complications if you ignore them.
That’s why Dr. Farah Khan and our team here at Millennium Park Medical Associates in Greenwood Village, Colorado, have put together this brief guide to your urinary tract. We believe that the more you know about your body, the better you’ll be able to care for it, prevent illness when possible, and recognize the signs that you need treatment.
UTIs by the numbers
Before we dive into your anatomy, let’s take a look at the prevalence of UTIs and why it’s important to be aware of your body parts.
- Up to 40% of women in the US have had at least one UTI
- More than 6 million people visit their doctor because of a UTI every year
- About 20% of UTI physician visits are in the emergency room
It’s good that so many folks seek medical care for their UTIs, because when left untreated, UTIs can lead to:
- Chronic UTIs
- Bladder damage
- A narrowed urethra (in men)
- Pregnancy and birth problems
- Permanent kidney damage
- Sepsis (severe infection)
We urge you to come see us any time you suspect a UTI, but if you have fever and chills, upper back pain, racing pulse, sweating, and/or shortness of breath, get emergency medical attention right away.
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