What You Need to Know About UTIs
4/9/2025
W. Bruce Harrell, M.D., urologist with Lakeside Physicians in Granbury, Texas, weighs in on urinary tract infections
UTIs are common, uncomfortable, and often misunderstood — especially when it comes to differences between men and women. To help set the record straight, we sat down with Dr. Bruce Harrell, board-certified urologist with Lakeside Physicians in Granbury, Texas.
“Most people don’t realize how widespread UTIs are,” says Dr. Harrell. “They affect millions of Americans every year — especially women — but they’re also very treatable if you catch them early.”
Signs & Symptoms: Don’t Ignore the Clues
A UTI can strike suddenly, and symptoms can vary depending on where the infection takes hold. UTI is a general term and includes the entire urinary tract from the kidneys to the urethra. Most commonly, a UTI will occur in the bladder as a bladder infection, or acute cystitis as termed medically.
“The classic signs I hear from patients are burning with urination, frequency (going often), urgency(sudden urge to go), and that feeling like you just can’t empty your bladder,” says Dr. Harrell. “Some even describe it as feeling like they have to go every five minutes — and when they do go, it’s painful.”
Key symptoms may include:
- Burning during urination
- Frequent urination with little output
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
- In rare cases, blood in the urine
If the infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may escalate to:
- Flank pain (side or back)
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
What Causes UTIs?
“The majority of UTIs are caused by E. coli, a bacteria that’s normally in the colon.” Dr. Harrell explains. “The problem happens when it migrates into the urinary tract — and in women, that’s a very short trip.”
Risk factors include:
- Female anatomy (shorter urethra)
- Sexual activity
- Menopause (due to lower estrogen)
- Diabetes or compromised immune systems
- Catheter use
- Urinary tract obstruction or prostate issues in men
“Men don’t get UTIs nearly as often as women. Most men will experience a UTI at least once or twice during their lifetime,” says Dr. Harrell. “In men, a UTI can mean there’s an underlying problem — like an enlarged prostate, a stone, or a blockage. If a man has a persistent UTI, or has a couple in close approximation, this requires further investigation to look for a source.”
Treatment: Antibiotics and a Little Patience
“Most UTIs can be cleared up with a round of antibiotics,” says Dr. Harrell. “The key is not to wait too long. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that it climbs up to the kidneys, which is more serious.”
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Dr. Harrell also recommends increasing fluid intake during treatment to help flush bacteria out of the system.
Prevention Tips from Dr. Harrell
“There are a few simple lifestyle changes that can really reduce your risk,” Dr. Harrell notes. “I tell patients: pee when you need to, stay hydrated, and always urinate after sexual activity. It’s not complicated, but it’s effective.”
His go-to prevention tips include:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Don’t hold your urine for long periods
When to See a Urologist
If you’ve had more than three UTIs in six months — or if your symptoms don’t improve with antibiotics — it may be time to consult a urologist.
“We can look for anatomical causes like stones, strictures, or incomplete bladder emptying,” says Dr. Harrell. “Our job is to get to the root of it, so you’re not just treating the symptoms over and over again.”
W. Bruce Harrell, M.D., is a board-certified urologist with Lakeside Physicians in Granbury, Texas, providing care in urinary health, kidney stones, prostate conditions, and more. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit https://lakegranburymedical.com/BruceHarrell or call (817) 573-5983.
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