Urologist Craig Zippe, MD, is certified by the American Board of Urology and is fellowship trained in urologic oncology. He is a published author with more than 100 manuscripts and dozens of book chapters. Dr. Zippe has spoken nationally on urological issues. Dr. Zippe sees patients full-time at The Ashtabula Clinic. He has a special interest in prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zippe, call 440-997-6970.
Urologist Craig Zippe, MD
Ashtabula County Medical Center
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for more than 8 million doctor visits annually in the U.S. They can be painful and embarrassing. The good news is, UTIs are treatable, and patients begin to feel better once that treatment starts.
Ashtabula County Medical Center Urologist Craig Zippe, MD, said some women are at greater risk for UTIs, but they can affect any adult or child.
Dr. Zippe is certified by the American Board of Urology and is fellowship trained in urologic oncology. He is a published author with more than 100 manuscripts and dozens of book chapters in print. He has spoken nationally on a variety of urological issues.
“Urine does not normally contain bacteria. When it does, we begin to see UTI symptoms. An infection can happen anywhere in the urinary tract, from the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) to the bladder to the kidneys,” Dr. Zippe said.
Symptoms of a UTI include:
- A constant urge to urinate. Despite this urge, often only a small amount of urine is passed.
- Pain or stinging while urinating.
- For women, a feeling of pressure above the pelvic bone.
- For men, a feeling of fullness in the rectum.
- Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.
- An overall feeling of being tired, shaky or feverish.
Once a physician diagnoses a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are the standard treatment.
“Since the UTI is a bacterial infection, we must wipe out the bacteria. Antibiotics do this and patients say they start to feel better within a day or so of beginning treatment. To fully eliminate the bacteria from the body, it’s important for patients to take the full antibiotic regimen. The UTI can return if any bacteria remain, so feeling better doesn’t mean you don’t still need the antibiotic,” Zippe said.
How long a course of antibiotics lasts is based on location of the UTI and severity of the infection. If you have a kidney infection because of your UTI, you will have to take a longer course of antibiotics.
“Unfortunately, this is one of those illnesses that won’t get better over time if left untreated,” Dr. Zippe said. “Home remedies that suggest drinking extra water or cranberry juice, and herbs are not the solution. A UTI is a bacterial infection that can progress to the kidneys, and could cause permanent damage. The infection could also spread from the kidneys to the bloodstream.”
Since waiting it out is not an option, if you experience pain urinating, or see a change in the frequency of urination, schedule an appointment with your physician or an urologist. If you are unable to get in to see your physician and are concerned that you have a UTI, you can go to any ACMC Express Care location in Ashtabula, Conneaut or Jefferson. For your convenience, Express Care offers walk-in service and extended and weekend hours. Most insurances are accepted and, depending on your specific insurance, the co-pay is similar to that of a physician office visit.
For more information about urinary tract infections, or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Craig Zippe’s office at 440-997-6970.
