A woman who needs a free women's health clinic in Glenrothes Fife

As we globally recognise International Women’s Day, it’s important to highlight women’s issues in terms of their health. Some of these health concerns include UTI (urinary tract infection) and Sexually Transmitted Infections. A urinary tract infection is an infection that attacks the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. An STI is an infection that spreads through sexual contact caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. A good number of UTI infections usually attack the lower urinary tract area, such as the bladder and urethra. Continue reading to find out how to treat UTIs and STIs in a free women’s health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife.

Even though UTIs can affect anyone, women are more vulnerable to UTI attacks than men. Therefore, keep in mind that a urinary tract infection can result in serious health complications if it goes up to the kidneys.

What are the symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections?

The symptoms that may accompany an STI are:

  • Pain when peeing
  • Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
  • A rash
  • Skin growths or lumps around the genitals or anus
  • Itchiness in the genitals or anus
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Warts around the genitals or anus
  • Sores and blisters around the genitals or anus
  • Very rarely, warts in the mouth or throat

A woman calling a free women's health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife

Common types of STI at a free women’s health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife

Types of STI include:

How are STIs treated in a free women’s health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife

STIs or STDs that develop as a result of bacteria are normally easier to treat. Most cases of viral infections can be managed but may not always be cured.

If a pregnant woman has an STI, immediate and timely treatment can prevent or reduce the chances of the infection getting to her baby.

Below are the treatment options you can find in the case of STIs:

  • Antibiotics – Administered as a single dose, enough to cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia is usually administered simultaneously because the two infections appear together in most cases.
  • Antiviral drugs – You’ll be provided with an antiviral drug if you have HIV or herpes. To minimise the rate at which herpes reoccurs, use suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral drug daily. However, your partner can still get the infection from you. Antiviral drugs can help manage HIV infection for many years. But the virus will still be in your body and can still spread it, though with a lower risk.

A free women's health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife

Is STI treatment free in a free women’s health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife?

Normally, some pharmacies, GPs, and other services may offer free tests, information, and advice, but you may be required to pay for treatment unless you are exempt.

Learn more about the morning after pill and how you can avoid getting pregnant after unprotected sex in our previous blog post here:

Morning After Pill

 

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?

UTIs show little or no symptoms in some instances. But if they do, they include:

  • A persistent urge to pee
  • Cloudy urine
  • Passing urine more frequently – often in small amounts
  • Burning sensation when peeing
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Pain in the pelvic area, for women
  • Urine that appears bloody

Nevertheless, it’s common to mistake a UTI for a different disease when it comes to older adults.

Four women

What causes a UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria get access to the urinary tract through the urethra and grow in the bladder. Even though the urinary system is built with its own defence mechanism, it may fall short at times, leading to invasion. The bacteria then takes root and spreads, becoming a full-scale infection.

To understand more about UTIs, please check out our previous blog post on how to treat one UTI here:

Learn More About UTIs

How does a free women’s health clinic in Glenrothes, Fife treat a urinary tract infection?

Pharmacies and doctors usually recommend antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections. But the best move one can take is applying measures to avoid UTIs.

Home remedies for UTI pain relief

A UTI in its severe form needs antibiotics to remove bacteria and manage any symptoms that come with the infection, such as pain. You can also ease some of your discomfort by taking advantage of home remedies to alleviate your symptoms. Below are a few steps you can take:

  • Avoid foods or beverages that cause irritation in the bladder – Keep away from spicy foods or alcoholic drinks and coffee, which can irritate the urinary tract.
  • Drink a lot of water and urinate often – Drink a lot of water if you experience UTI symptoms to urinate more regularly and flush away the bacteria.
  • Do not rely on vitamin C if the UTI symptoms have started showing – Vitamin C becomes rather useless if you’ve already experienced symptoms. It works best to prevent UTIs but not treat it.
  • A heating pad can come in handy – Applying heat to the abdomen area can help reduce cramps or a burning sensation.

Get in touch or visit us today for UTI and STI treatment.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Cadham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.