A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an inflammatory response that occurs when bacteria colonize and multiply within the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder (cystitis) or urethra. Nearly half of all women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Typical symptoms include a frequent, urgent need to urinate, and a burning sensation during urination (dysuria). Since many women first notice these symptoms during a routine visit, they often wonder if an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) can treat this issue.
Why OB-GYNs Address Urinary Tract Infections
OB-GYNs frequently serve as primary care providers for women, making them the first point of contact for many health concerns, including uncomplicated UTIs. The female reproductive tract and the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) share close anatomical proximity within the pelvis. This closeness means symptoms from one system can often overlap with issues in the other, such as vaginitis or a UTI.
Bacteria, most often Escherichia coli, can easily travel from the rectum to the urethra and ascend into the bladder. An OB-GYN’s expertise in female pelvic anatomy allows them to perform a differential diagnosis, determining if the discomfort is a UTI or a gynecological issue. They are equipped to manage common, straightforward infections in this shared region and offer swift treatment to prevent progression.
The Diagnostic and Treatment Process
The diagnostic process begins with a review of symptoms and the collection of a clean-catch urine sample. This sample is immediately tested using a urinalysis dipstick, which checks for nitrites and leukocyte esterase, chemical markers suggesting a bacterial infection. While a positive dipstick result supports a diagnosis, a urine culture is often sent to the laboratory to identify the specific bacteria.
For an uncomplicated UTI, treatment involves a short course of oral antibiotics. Common first-line treatments include nitrofurantoin (prescribed for five days) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), often given for a three-day course. These regimens effectively eradicate the bacteria and are favored over longer courses to mitigate the risk of antibiotic resistance. Symptomatic relief for burning pain can be provided with a urinary analgesic, such as phenazopyridine.
When a Specialist Referral is Necessary
While an OB-GYN can effectively manage most acute, uncomplicated UTIs, certain situations warrant a referral to a specialist, such as a Urologist or Urogynecologist. This need arises when the infection is classified as complicated or suggests an underlying structural or functional issue.
Complicated Infections
An infection is considered complicated if it presents with signs that the infection has spread beyond the bladder. These signs include fever, chills, or pain in the flank region, which suggests pyelonephritis (a kidney infection).
Recurrent Infections
A referral is also appropriate for recurrent UTIs, defined as three or more infections within a 12-month period or two or more within six months. This pattern suggests a deeper issue, such as structural abnormalities or the need for a comprehensive preventative strategy. Urologists and Urogynecologists perform advanced diagnostic procedures and implement long-term management plans for these persistent cases.