Bacteria Testing

What is Bacteria Testing?

Bacteria are small single-celled organisms that are responsible for causing a large proportion of infections and illnesses. Bacteria are found in the environment, all around us and also in our bodies. There are many different kinds of bacteria that can live inside our bodies and most of them are harmless or do us good.

However, there are other species of bacteria that cause us harm. Bacteria tests can help to identify these organisms and once we know what they are we can prescribe antibiotics to eliminate them.

If you are worried that you may have a bacterial infection, you need to be tested. Bacteria tests are generally quick and easy to perform needing only a small sample of urine or a swab of the affected area.

There are a number of different ways to test for bacteria. We can test for bacteria by growing a culture or by undertaking specific analyses to determine exactly which bacteria is causing the infection. Bacterial infections in the bladder (cystitis) or urinary system are common and can be frequently caused by E. Coli, Klebsiella, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas bacteria. Other bacteria including Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma can also cause infections of the urinary tract.

Signs of bacterial infection in your urethra, urinary tract, reproductive organs or bladder can include pain, stinging or burning feelings when you urinate and unusual discharge. If you have any of these symptoms you should consider getting a bacteria test. However, sometimes there are no symptoms to alert you.

If you think you might have picked up a bacterial infection, it is important that you get tested to be sure. Leaving a bacterial infection for too long without proper treatment can result in severe long term problems.

How do I know if I have a problem?

Quite often it will be clear to you that you have a bacterial infection in your urinary tract or elsewhere. You might experience some pain, or fever, an unusual discharge or redress, and swelling in the affected area. Sometimes, the infected area can leak pus, blood or other liquids.

If you observe any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention quickly. Better2Know can get you tested for a wide variety of bacteria, offering you a number of different bacteria tests to suit your particular needs.

Symptoms may include:

Men

• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Pus or other discharge from the penis
• Swollen testicles
• Burning or painful sensation when urinating
• Fever
• Discomfort in the urinary area.

Women

• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Pus or other discharge from the vagina
• Burning or painful sensations when urinating
• Fever
• Discomfort in the urinary area.

How can I get bacterial infections?

We are constantly exposed to many different types of bacteria. They are in the air and soils around us, on our skin and in our bodies. Bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another through physical contact or when blood or other bodily fluids are exchanged. Bacteria can be easily spread between people and, often, the only way to know if you have been infected is to get a bacteria test.

What happens if I do not get treatment?

If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to serious health problems. Infections on the skin can lead to unsightly marks and scars whilst infections of the digestive tract can lead to nausea, sickness and vomiting. More serious infections such as appendicitis can be life threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Other internal infections, such as those caused by Syphilis, can affect the blood, brain and even the central nervous system. When bacteria become established in the urinary system, the infections can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women and reproductive problems in men.

How do I get tested?

Getting the bacteria tests you need with Better2Know is fast and easy. Consider the Comfort Screen or the Platinum Screen as comprehensive bacteria tests to help identify any infections that you might have acquired.

Better2Know offers a number of other bacteria tests that will also help you to identify the source of any problem that might affect you. Give us a call on the number above or review the list of tests and screen that we have available in your area to find the test that is right for you. Better2Know has advisors ready to help you choose the right tests if you need help.

Bacterial infections are usually easy to treat but can be passed from person to person easily. Call Better2Know now or book online to get the peace of mind you need.

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