Many of us know that dreaded feeling creeping in the morning after we accidentally forget to follow our pee-after-sex-rule. Urinary Tract Infections, better known as UTIs, are unfortunately common. Roughly 50–60 percent of women will experience UTIs in their lifetime. While it’s normal to reach for a quick fix to the discomfort and pain of a UTI, it's crucial not to jump the gun and start taking antibiotics without proper testing. Let’s get real about why it's essential to pick up a UTI test before taking antibiotics.

It’s important to take the right medication
One reason to avoid a quick online antibiotic prescription is the need for precision in treatment. UTIs can be caused by various bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Klebsiella, among others. Each bacterium may respond differently to specific antibiotics. This is where testing comes in.  When talking with your Healthcare professional, ensure they order testing that  can identify the specific strain causing the infection, allowing for targeted and more effective treatment.

Types of testing for a UTI

• Urine dipsticks

You can use at-home UTI tests easily by dipping a strip into a urine sample. The test strip will undergo color change reactions based on the presence of certain markers.Typically, dipstick tests for UTIs detect nitrites, indicative of bacterial presence, and leukocyte esterase, a marker for inflammation. While they offer immediate results and are relatively easy to perform, dipstick tests do not identify, specifically, what bacteria is in your urinary tract.

• Urine culture

This is typically what we think of when going to a doctor to get treated for a UTI. Especially if you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may choose to send in a urine culture to a lab. With this test, the lab can identify bacterial growth and determine the specific pathogen causing the infection and prescribe a certain antibiotic for that bacteria. Urine cultures take longer to produce results compared to dipstick tests, but they can be particularly useful for recurrent UTI patients.

• PCR testing 

UTI PCR tests are the new thing in UTI testing! They can detect even small amounts of bacteria or fungi. They're highly accurate, fast and provide detailed information about the pathogens causing your UTI in addition to the antibiotics, which may not work for your infection. You can take these at home, and ship your urine sample to a lab. You generally get results within 24 hours. 

Avoid antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but overuse or misuse can lead to the development of resistant strains. If individuals start taking antibiotics without a proper diagnosis, there is a risk that the bacteria causing the infection may become resistant to the prescribed medication, rendering it ineffective. 

Self-diagnosing can be dangerous
Self-diagnosing and self-medicating may provide temporary relief from UTI symptoms, but it does not address the root cause of the infection. Without a proper diagnosis, the infection may persist, leading to complications and the need for more extensive medical intervention later on. Getting tested ensures that the right treatment is administered, preventing the development of chronic or recurrent UTIs! It is also possible that you may not have a UTI, but instead something else like Ureaplasma, which requires a different course of treatment. 

Remember, antibiotics have side effects
Don’t forget, antibiotics can have side effects. Taking antibiotics without a proper diagnosis may expose individuals to unnecessary risks, including allergic reactions and disruptions to the body's natural microbiome. Who hasn't had yeast infection after taking a round of meds for a sinus infection or UTI? A UTI test allows healthcare professionals to prescribe the most suitable antibiotic, minimizing the risk of adverse effects and ensuring a smoother recovery. 

In the face of the discomfort and urgency associated with UTIs, it's essential to prioritize proper testing. To prevent recurring UTIs, it is essential to avoid antibiotic resistance. By testing before treating, you are much more likely to truly treat the source of your UTI and feel better permanently, not just for now! Your health should always be a priority, and a UTI test is the first step towards warding off the dreadful cycle of UTIs.