Three reasons to have a Urine for Microscopy and Culture test with Better2Know:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are a common cause of genital discomfort
  • UTI’s can be treated with a prescribed course of antibiotics
  • You may be experiencing symptoms of an infection; however, you have already determined an STI is not the cause

What is a urinary tract infection?

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is usually caused by bacteria and can affect your bladder, kidneys, and urethra.

Some cases of urinary discomfort can be due to sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Gardnerella, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma and many others.

Transmission

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system. Sexual intercourse may trigger a UTI infection as it can transport bacteria to the urethra, but so can actions amongst women such as wiping back to front after relieving themselves. Certain STIs may also present similar symptoms, in which case the infection would be sexually transmitted. Other causes can include:

  • Bacteria being transferred from the anus to the urethra
  • Kidney stones
  • Pregnancy
  • Having a urinary catheter
  • A weakened immune system
  • An enlarged prostate (in men)

Symptoms

UTIs are often associated with pain that occurs whilst urinating, which can include a stinging and burning sensation. However, other symptoms may consist of abdominal pains, an intense urge to urinate frequently, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, fatigue, fever, blood in urine and some women can experience pelvic pains.

Did You Know

Half of all women are thought to get at least one UTI during their life.

Testing

Better2Know’s Urine for Microscopy and Culture test will detect any unusual numbers of bacteria that may be the cause of your infection. This testing option uses a single urine sample to identify infections that could be causing your urinary discomfort, including sexually transmitted infections such as Gardnerella.

Treatment

Better2Know’s trained sexual health advisors can arrange a private doctor’s consultation before your test or following your results. If you test positive for a UTI or STI infection, your Better2Know doctor can discuss your diagnosis in more detail, as well as prescribe the medication you require, if necessary.

Potential Consequences

An untreated UTI infection may also trigger other health complications such as acute or chronic kidney infections that can cause permanent damage, recurrent infections, increased risk that expectant mother deliver a premature or low birth weight child and sepsis.

Most untreated sexually transmitted infections can create other more severe health problems and also increase your vulnerability to contracting other STIS, including HIV.

Booking your Urine for Microscopy and Culture test

To arrange your Urine for Microscopy and Culture test in Australia today, contact Better2Know’s expert staff using the number at the top of the page. They are available 24/7 for your convenience. You can also use our online booking system to process your appointment; simply select the orange Book Now button above.