Consult by instant messaging with a Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infection: consult a doctor online 24/7

More or less severe, a urinary tract infection is a common reason for consultation, most often in women. Often mild, this condition can affect several organs of the urinary system. Find out with Feeli what a urinary tract infection involves and get fast care from a general practitioner.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Pain or a burning sensation when urinating? You are probably suffering from a urinary tract infection. More generally, this term is used to describe an infection of the urinary system. There are two types of urinary tract infections: upper urinary tract infections affect the kidneys, while lower urinary tract infections affect the bladder, urethra or prostate. It is also sometimes referred to as cystitis. This common condition, usually not serious, is generally caused by the abnormal multiplication of a bacterium present in our intestinal flora. The presence of bacteria in the urinary system is not abnormal; germs are normally eliminated when the bladder empties. In 90% of cases, the bacterium responsible for the urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli. Anatomical factors make women more susceptible to infections that can develop in the bladder. In women, the anus and urethra are indeed very close together, and the urethra is very short, giving bacteria an easy route to reach the bladder. As the route is much longer in men, they are less often affected. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can vary from woman to woman and depending on the severity of the infection. Most patients with urinary tract infections complain of pain in the bladder and a frequent, urgent need to urinate. You may feel pain in the lower back, a sign of bladder inflammation. Very often, the infection causes a burning sensation when urinating. In around 20% of cases, blood may be present in the urine, which is not always a sign of a serious condition.

How long does an untreated urinary tract infection last?

How an untreated urinary tract infection develops depends on several factors, particularly each patient's personal circumstances. Also known as cystitis, a urinary tract infection is characterised by the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary system, particularly in the bladder. Without treatment, a urinary tract infection can last longer, persist, and in some cases lead to potentially serious complications. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor to avoid taking any risks. To be more precise, the duration of an untreated urinary tract infection can vary depending on:
   • The virulence of the bacteria responsible for the infection. Not all bacterial strains are equally serious. Some bacteria can spread faster and cause more severe symptoms;
   • The person's immune system;
   • Following an effective course of antibiotics helps reduce the duration of the infection.
Generally, without adequate treatment, a urinary tract infection can last from a few days to a few weeks. Over time, some symptoms, such as burning during urination, pelvic discomfort or frequent urination, can worsen. The risk of developing a serious complication (pyelonephritis, a kidney infection) is also higher when a urinary tract infection is left untreated. Hospitalisation is sometimes necessary. It is therefore advisable to see a general practitioner quickly, for example during a teleconsultation, in order to receive an appropriate diagnosis and adequate treatment.

How do you treat a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection, also called cystitis, is a common condition caused by the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary system. Prompt, appropriate treatment is essential to avoid potentially serious complications. Generally speaking, if you have these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor quickly:
   • A burning sensation when urinating (painful urination);
   • Cloudy urine;
   • Pelvic pain.
Most of the time, the treatment for a urinary tract infection is based on:
   • Taking an antibiotic (antibiotic therapy);
   • Hydration: it is advisable to drink plenty of water;
   • Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, spicy food or any irritating substance;
   • Relieving symptoms, particularly pain, with a pain-relief medication;
   • Prevention: healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent recurring urinary tract infections. For example, urinating after sexual intercourse, not holding it in for too long, and favouring a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

What causes a urinary tract infection?

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the intestines, mainly Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria find their way to the urethra, the duct connecting the bladder to the outside of the body, and can travel up to the bladder, where they multiply and cause an infection. Other factors can also cause a urinary tract infection, such as:
   • Anatomical factors: the length of the urethra in women, benign prostatic hyperplasia in men, etc.;
   • Poor bladder emptying: an inability to fully empty the bladder;
   • Wearing a catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infection;
   • Weakened immune defences;
   • Diabetes.

Urinary tract infection: when should you see a doctor?

If you have a urinary tract infection, it is best not to wait. Some cases sometimes require an emergency consultation — for example, in the case of fever, if the woman is pregnant, if the pain is severe and localised to one side, or in men who have recently had surgery. Pain or burning sensations when urinating are unpleasant and uncomfortable; it is best to see a doctor without delay to treat the infection quickly. Online consultation is available to treat the infection. This is convenient if the urinary tract infection starts in the evening, at the weekend, or in an area with limited access to doctors. You rarely want to wait for the symptoms to fade… Online consultation quickly puts you in touch with a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics targeted at the urinary system. As soon as you start taking antibiotics, the symptoms of the infection disappear very quickly. Don't wait — save time and speak with a doctor without an appointment on Feeli right away.

What tests are used to diagnose a urinary tract infection?

A medical diagnosis is essential when a urinary tract infection is suspected, in order to put in place a suitable treatment. Medical tests may include:
   • Urine analysis or urine culture and sensitivity testing. Urine analysis is the standard test for detecting a urinary tract infection. A urine sample is collected and analysed for the presence of white blood cells (leucocytes) and bacteria. The presence of leucocytes and/or bacteria in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection;
   • A urine culture is sometimes carried out to identify the organism responsible for the infection and choose the best antibiotic based on its resistance profile;
   • A urine dipstick test is sometimes carried out to quickly detect the presence of nitrites (indicators of bacteria) and leucocytes;
   • Medical imaging: in some cases, an ultrasound or CT scan may be carried out to assess the condition of the urinary tract, kidneys and bladder. These tests can look for any anatomical abnormalities or kidney stones that could contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections.
   • Cystoscopy: doctors insert a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera into the urethra in order to look inside the bladder and urethra. This test mainly concerns people who have frequent urinary tract infections.

Get treatment for urinary tract infections with Feeli

Feeli offers you fast contact with a general practitioner or specialist. Online medical consultations take place without an appointment. As soon as the symptoms of a urinary tract infection appear, simply go to the Feeli website, answer a medical questionnaire and let a doctor take care of you. As soon as your symptoms have been reviewed, the doctor makes a diagnosis and offers treatment via a prescription. If needed, the doctor can exchange messages with the patient via the instant messaging system. In the case of a urinary tract infection, you will quickly receive a prescription for antibiotics. Shortly after the online consultation, the prescription will be available in your patient area in digital format. All pharmacies in France can dispense the treatment simply by presenting the digital prescription. No need to wait to treat your urinary tract infection! Treatment is generally short and symptoms disappear quickly; bladder inflammation can sometimes clear up within a few days. Painkillers or antispasmodics may also be prescribed for urinary tract infections. The doctor may also advise drinking plenty of fluids and urinating frequently. Talking to a healthcare professional on Feeli about a urinary tract infection is easy, with no appointment and no waiting — simply log in using a tablet, smartphone or computer. The process is quick and simple, for effective care without delay. With urinary tract infections, it is best to get treated quickly: if left untreated, a urinary tract infection can affect the kidneys. Consult doctors online on Feeli and get any urinary tract infection treated promptly.