Women and men, children and babies, can experience the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection. But women develop UTIs more often than anyone else. Gone untreated, a UTI can have serious consequences for your kidneys. With same day appointments available, Dr. Ray Santos and Dr. Ritu Sharma of DRS Medical Associates treat UTIs for people living in the Jersey City, New Jersey area.
A urinary tract infection often causes a burning sensation when you urinate. But it has other symptoms too, including:
Men, women, and children may all develop a urinary tract infection. A child can’t always describe these symptoms, but you may suspect a UTI if she has a fever, is irritable, complains of stomach or back pain, and is less active than usual.
When bacteria enters your urinary tract, it begins to multiply and can cause infection. The bacteria may have originated in your rectum or your GI tract.
Women’s anatomy makes it so that bacteria can infect the bladder more easily. Women also have a shorter urethra so bacteria doesn’t have to travel as far to cause infection.
Wiping back to front can bring fecal bacteria near the urethra, allowing it to travel to the bladder to cause an infection. Sexual intercourse can also put bacteria closer to the bladder to cause a UTI.
Dr. Santos and Dr. Sharma prescribe antibiotics to clear up the bacterial infection causing your UTI. These usually resolve the symptoms within a few days, but always take the full course of medication to be protected.
If your symptoms are unbearable, you may also receive a pain medication to numb the region affected by the UTI.
If you’re susceptible to urinary tract infections, take preventive action.
Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. You will urinate more frequently and flush out bacteria.
Good bathroom habits that include wiping from front to back and avoiding potentially irritating products, such as douches or powders, also helps.
Urinate shortly after intercourse and consider the type of birth control you use. Diaphragms and some condoms can promote bacterial growth.
At DRS Medical Associates, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"Dr. Sharma was friendly, informative and straight forward when it came to health concerns. She took time to get all the medical history and shared a lot of knowledge."
"I have been to DRS several times and seen Dr Ritu. She is a very very good doctor who truly cares about her patients. "
"Not once did I feel rush and both doctors took their time to answer my questions. I didn't leave there thinking that they were pushing me into anything either. "
"I am so thankful for his passion and knowledge. He is officially our family doctor here in JC with a great location and hours!"
"I have been with Medical associates for the last 2 months and like them a lot. They respected my wishes and made sure I got the correct treatment."
"Our experience has been with Dr. Santos. He is a patient and kind physician who listens and provides compassionate feedback about childcare."
"Dr. Santos was great. He took the time to understand all my symptoms and any any history since I was a new patient. Did not feel rushed and felt very comfortable."
"I see Dr. Sharma and she has always been very patient in listening to my history and accurate with her diagnosis."
"Dr Sharma is really good doctor. She is thorough, very diligent, and takes her time to listen before arriving at a diagnosis. Highly recommend."
"Excellent doctors!!! Wonderful staff !!"
"The office is very clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. I did not wait at all to be seen. Highly recommend this practice!"
"Greatest service! Best docs! Dr. Ritu & Dr. Ray are extremely friendly and patience. Highly recommended"
"I had a great experience with Dr. Sharma. I did not have to wait and she was very thorough. I have now found a doctor I love!!!"
"Dr. Ray cares about giving his patients quality service and attention. Highly recommended."
"Her bedside manner is awesome. She takes the time to explain things and answer questions and not trying to rush you out like other doctors."
