What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. It's one of the most common bacterial infections in adults — roughly 50–60% of women experience at least one in their lifetime. Men can also develop UTIs, though less frequently.
How to recognize it
- Burning or pain during urination
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal discomfort
- Feeling like your bladder never fully empties
How UTIs are treated
Most uncomplicated UTIs are treated with a short course of oral antibiotics — typically 3 to 7 days. Common options include nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or fosfomycin (a single-dose option). Symptoms usually begin improving within 24–48 hours of starting antibiotics. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and speeds recovery.
Go to urgent care or the ER if you have
- Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Shaking chills or rigors
- Back or flank pain (kidney level)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms that worsen or don't improve after 48 hours of antibiotics
These may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — a more serious condition that typically requires IV antibiotics and in-person evaluation.
What is a yeast infection?
Vaginal candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus — most often Candida albicans. The vagina naturally contains a balance of bacteria and yeast; when that balance is disrupted, yeast can overgrow. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, though it can occasionally be passed between partners.
How to recognize it
- Intense itching or irritation in or around the vagina
- Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
- Burning, especially during urination or sex
- Redness, swelling, or soreness of the vaginal area
- A rash on the vulva in some cases
What causes the balance to shift
- Recent antibiotic use — the most common trigger; antibiotics kill protective bacteria alongside harmful ones
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy, birth control pills, or menopause can alter vaginal pH
- Uncontrolled blood sugar — elevated glucose creates an environment where yeast thrives
- Weakened immune system — illness, stress, or immunosuppressant medications
- Tight, non-breathable clothing — synthetic fabrics trap moisture and warmth
How yeast infections are treated
A single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) is the most convenient and widely used treatment — highly effective for uncomplicated infections, with symptoms typically resolving within 1–3 days. Topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole are also effective and available over the counter, but require multi-day application. For recurrent infections (4+ per year), longer treatment courses may be needed.
See a provider in person if you have
- Fever or pelvic pain alongside vaginal symptoms
- Foul-smelling or unusually colored discharge (gray, green, yellow)
- Symptoms that don't improve within 3 days of treatment
- 4 or more yeast infections in a year
These may indicate bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or pelvic inflammatory disease — conditions that require different treatment and in-person evaluation.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal condition in women of reproductive age. It occurs when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection, though sexual activity is a risk factor.
How to recognize it
- Thin, gray or off-white vaginal discharge
- Strong "fishy" odor, especially after sex
- Mild itching or burning (less intense than yeast)
- Burning during urination
- Up to 50% of cases are asymptomatic
How BV is treated
BV requires prescription antibiotics. First-line treatment is metronidazole 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, or metronidazole vaginal gel. Clindamycin cream is an alternative. Symptoms typically improve within 2–3 days of starting treatment. Avoid alcohol during and 24 hours after oral metronidazole.
See a provider in person if you have
- Fever or pelvic pain alongside vaginal symptoms
- Yellow, green, or frothy discharge (may indicate trichomoniasis)
- Symptoms that persist after completing treatment
- Frequent BV recurrences (3+ per year)
- Pregnancy with vaginal symptoms
These may indicate a co-infection or a condition that requires in-person evaluation and testing.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States and becomes more common with age — but it is not an inevitable part of aging. ED is a medical condition with effective, well-studied treatments.
What contributes to ED
- Cardiovascular: high blood pressure, heart disease, atherosclerosis
- Metabolic: diabetes, obesity, low testosterone
- Medications: antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, antihistamines
- Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, poor sleep, lack of exercise
- Psychological: anxiety, depression, performance stress, relationship issues
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
Take 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. Effective for 4–6 hours. Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Best for planned, occasional use. One of the most studied and widely prescribed medications in the world.
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Take as needed (lasts up to 36 hours) or as a daily low dose (2.5mg or 5mg) for continuous readiness. Available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. Best for spontaneity or frequent use. Also FDA-approved for enlarged prostate.
Does ED mean something is wrong with my heart?
ED can sometimes be an early signal of cardiovascular risk, since both conditions involve blood vessel function and circulation. If you have ED and haven't had a recent cardiovascular checkup, it's worth discussing with a provider. That said, ED is frequently caused by lifestyle factors, stress, or medication side effects and does not necessarily indicate a serious underlying condition. Starting treatment doesn't mean ignoring other health — it means addressing one aspect of your wellbeing.
Never combine ED medication with nitrates
PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) must never be taken alongside nitrate medications used for chest pain — including nitroglycerin, isosorbide, or amyl nitrite ("poppers"). The combination can cause a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Always disclose all medications to your provider before starting treatment.