Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an all-too-common health problem. Research shows that UTIs are the most frequently diagnosed type of outpatient infection, and they lead to almost $2 billion in annual medical costs [1]. In addition, they cause discomfort and lost productivity; misdiagnosis can contribute to the overuse of antibiotics.
A Common Condition
A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, or ureter. UTIs can also spread to the kidneys, which can lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage. Early diagnosis and treatment of UTIs is the best way to prevent the infection from becoming more serious.
Women are more likely to have UTIs, and 60% of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime [1]. The risk of UTIs increases with age for people of any gender. Many people experience multiple UTIs over time and become quite familiar with the symptoms as well as the cumbersome process of getting to a doctor for testing and treatment.
Most urinary tract infections are uncomplicated and can either resolve on their own or can be effectively treated with antibiotics. For people with certain underlying health conditions, a UTI can lead to more serious health effects if the infection isn’t detected and treated quickly. Even with uncomplicated UTIs, the symptoms are uncomfortable and interrupt daily activities like work, fitness, and family responsibilities.
Getting a quick diagnosis and treating the infection is a significant benefit to anyone with a UTI. Home UTI testing is a simple way to get the ball rolling on UTI diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need as soon as you need it.
UTI Symptoms: Listen to Your Body
The symptoms of UTIs are easy to detect, especially if you have had one before. The telltale signs include bladder pressure, feeling an urgent need to urinate, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. You may also notice pain in your sides or abdomen. UTI can cause a fever, chills, or nausea [2].
Most people know these symptoms are a signal to call the doctor for an in-person appointment for a urine test. That can be easier said than done. Getting an appointment quickly at a time that works for you can be a challenge and lead to treatment delays.
An at-home UTI test can simplify the diagnosis process. Instead of picking up the phone when you notice UTI symptoms, you can use a simple home test to detect the presence of inflammation and harmful bacteria in your urine. You can then share your results with your doctor either online or in person, who will help you get appropriate treatment.
How Do Home UTI Tests Work?
Over-the-counter urinary tract infection test strips like theDiagnox UTI test are simple and easy to use. Each individual test is packaged in a sterile pouch. The test consists of a dipstick with two reagent pads that test for inflammation and bacteria. You will collect a urine sample in a clean container, then quickly submerge the dipstick in the sample. You then remove the dipstick and wait two minutes for results. You can read the results by comparing the colors on the reagent pads to a chart on the test packaging.
The pads on the dipstick change color to indicate the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) or bacteria. Bacteria is the cause of the UTI, and its presence indicates infection. The presence of white blood cells indicates that your immune system is working to fight the infection.
What if My Home UTI Test Is Positive?
If you take a UTI test at home and the strip indicates that you have a UTI, you can call your doctor to discuss what to do next. The home test is the starting point for talking to your doctor about additional testing and recommendations for treatment.
What if My Home UTI Test Is Negative?
A negative UTI home test is good news because it means you likely don’t have an infection. This can help you avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. If symptoms continue or get worse, you can test again and see if an infection has developed in the time since your last test.
If you have significant, ongoing UTI-like symptoms without a positive result on a home test, you can talk to your doctor about other possible causes for your symptoms.
Diagnox UTI Tests
Diagnox at-home UTI test kit is a simple and convenient way to get tested as soon as you notice UTI symptoms. The tests are easy to use and give you quick, accurate results.
By empowering individuals to listen to their body’s needs, Diagnox aims for better health for all. Learn more about urinary tract infections - testing, and prevention strategies at our dedicated blogs page for UTIs in this link.
