Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urgent Care for UTI Testing & Treatment in Greater Philadelphia
SCHEDULE A VISITUnderstanding UTIs
Common and potentially painful, a urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs in any part of the urinary tract. This may include the following:
- Urethra
- Ureters
- Kidneys
- Bladder
UTIs are most commonly found in the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. While men can get UTIs, they’re much more common in women. In fact, as many as 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime! While these infections can be irksome and interrupt daily life, they will usually clear up within a week with proper treatment.
It’s possible to have a UTI without noticing any symptoms at all. These are sometimes called asymptomatic UTIs, and while they’re less common, a simple urine test can still detect one.
Seeking care is key for any UTI because, without treatment, infections can spread and become more serious. UTIs that spread to the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys and ureters, can even cause kidney damage.
Keep reading to learn more about UTI symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What are the common signs and symptoms of UTIs?
Some of the most common signs of a UTI include pain when you pee, an urge to go more often than usual, or urine that looks or smells different than normal.
Other symptoms may include any of the following:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Feeling like you need to urinate with increased urgency
- Pain and/or pressure in your lower abdomen or rectum
- Urine that is tea-colored, pink, or cloudy
- Blood in your urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Fatigue
- Pain or aching in your lower back or sides
Upper tract infections may also cause fever, chills, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Signs of a kidney infection
When a UTI goes untreated, the infection can sometimes travel up to the kidneys. This is often called a kidney infection, and it tends to feel different from a typical UTI.
Signs that a UTI may have spread to the kidneys can include:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Pain in your upper back or side (this is different from the lower back or side pain that can come with a typical UTI)
If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek care the same day. A provider can evaluate you quickly and help you figure out the right next step.
How is a UTI treated?
Because most UTIs are caused by bacteria, antibiotics are typically one of the first treatments providers recommend. In many cases, a provider can start you on treatment the same day, even before urine culture results come back, since waiting on results usually isn’t necessary to get started on relief.
It’s important to always finish the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms clear up after a day or two. Stopping early can let the infection come back or make it harder to treat the next time.
Alongside antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers or medication to ease bladder and urethra spasms may help with comfort while the infection clears.
Drinking plenty of fluids can also help flush bacteria out of your system and support your recovery.
Left untreated, a UTI can progress to a kidney infection. In rare cases, it can also become a more serious infection throughout the body called sepsis, which happens when an infection spreads into the bloodstream. Catching a UTI early, before it has a chance to spread, is the easiest way to avoid these more serious complications altogether.
What are the common causes of UTIs?
Most commonly, UTIs occur when bacteria make their way into the urinary tract. Less commonly, UTIs occur when a fungus, like Candida, or a virus enters the urinary tract. Irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract can also increase the likelihood of infection.
Some common scenarios that may result in a UTI include:
- Sexual intercourse (by far the most common)
- Improper wiping after using the bathroom
- Wearing moisture-trapping, tight-fitting clothing
- Taking long, frequent baths
- Using spermicides or diaphragms for contraception
Sometimes mistaken for STDs, UTIs are not sexually transmitted. Both share similar symptoms, so getting tested is often the best way to know for sure what’s going on. Understanding the cause of your symptoms lets you know the next steps for treatment, and how to prevent future infections.
Why are UTIs more common in women?
The prevalent reason is that women have short urethras. This means bacteria have more opportunities to infect the urinary tract before urination flushes it out. Additionally, in many cases, the anatomy of a woman makes it easier for bacteria to spread to the urethra during normal activities like sex or working out. Lastly, hormone changes that naturally occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can make a woman more likely to contract a UTI.
How to prevent a UTI
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent an infection, but there are some simple choices that can help reduce your risk. These include:
- Urinating after sex to flush your urethra
- Wiping properly after using the bathroom (front to back)
- Staying hydrated
- Not holding in your urine for extended periods of time — go when you need to go
- Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking clothing when working out
Can you go to urgent care for a UTI?
Yes! A provider can evaluate you for a UTI with a urine test and careful examination of symptoms. vybe offers same-day urine testing for UTIs, making sure you get the treatment you need fast.
UTIs happen – if you think you may have a UTI, visit your local vybe urgent care for testing and treatment today! Book an appointment online at any of our conveniently located urgent care centers, open 7 days a week with hours that work for your busy schedule.
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This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare provider can evaluate your specific symptoms and situation.
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