I have been suffering from urinary tract infection for some weeks now. Of course, I am already in the process of treatment and I am almost done with my ten-day prescription. Let me just tell you about how I discovered the infection and the processes that followed.

First, what is urinary tract infection? It is a kind of infection we usually call UTI. It occurs when bacteria is present in our urine. I mean, bacteria may be present in our urine and not have the infection at all, but when they are in huge numbers, then, you are in trouble. The signs of having UTI include a burning sensation while peeing, back cramps and fevers.

So how do we know if the bacteria in our urine are in high levels? Well, the only way to know is by undergoing a laboratory test where you will give your urine sample. This lab test is called urinalysis. Most lab clinics and hospitals offer this service since it is a pretty simple test. Based from experience, the doctor (or the lab aide) will give you a small bottle or vial and have you pee on it until you get a sufficient amount of urine for testing. This process of peeing in a bottle is quite awkward and uncomfortable for those who have never done it but once you get the hang of it, it will just be as simple as opening your mouth for a dentist. Well, take note that this is more difficult for women than men because of our genital structures.

After you get enough pee in the bottle, you need to put the cover on and wash it (This important! You do not want to hand over the bottle with drips of urine to the assistant, right?). Quite embarrassing at first since the bottle will still be warm from the fresh urine. Now, I mentioned that because it is of great importance to give a sample of fresh urine for testing. Why? Because it is the best and unaltered sample that you can give so they can also get accurate results. I have heard of some people who pees at home, stores it in a bottle for a day, then goes to the lab to have it tested the next day. The urine would not be in a fresh state and it can get contaminated in the storage area. Well, that would be useless. It will not give correct results and your peeing in a bottle would be futile.

From this, I do hope that UTI patients out there would promptly consult a doctor and have their infection treated. Aside from the lab test, treatment is actually simple. It is nothing to fret about.