According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 40% to 60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Additionally, women are at a higher risk of recurrent infections, with about 1 in 4 women experiencing a second UTI within six months of the first.
Experiencing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can be incredibly uncomfortable and disruptive to your everyday life. If you’ve ever dealt with frequent urination, burning sensations, or pelvic pain, you understand the urgency for prompt medical care. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for UTIs can help you take quick and effective action.
But can I go to urgent care for a UTI?
Let’s explore how visiting an urgent care facility can offer the immediate relief and comprehensive treatment you need to combat this common infection and prevent severe health issues that could arise from untreated UTIs.
What Is UTI?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and the urethra. Harmful bacteria typically cause UTIs and can result in uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from mild infection discomfort to severe pain in women.
Although these infections are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, men and children can also be affected. Prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and becoming more complicated, potentially leading to kidney infection or other severe health issues.
Mild Symptoms of UTI
These symptoms are typically manageable with medical treatment and do not usually indicate a serious infection:
- Frequent Urination: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when little urine is passed.
- Pain or Burning Sensation: A burning feeling when urinating, known as dysuria, is a common early symptom.
- Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine: Urine may appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or both.
- Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Pain: Mild pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, particularly in women.
- Slight Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual, often due to discomfort and frequent urination.
Severe Symptoms of UTI
- High Fever: A temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, indicating that the infection may have reached the kidneys.
- Severe Lower Back or Side Pain: Intense pain in the back or sides, often a sign that the infection has spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting suggest that the body is struggling to cope with a more advanced infection.
- Chills and Shaking: These are often associated with fever and indicate a systemic infection, possibly reaching the bloodstream.
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria): Visible blood in the urine is a sign of a more severe infection or bladder irritation.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Particularly in older adults, confusion can indicate that the infection is causing serious health issues.
- Lethargy or Weakness: Feeling abnormally weak or sluggish, possibly due to the body’s response to the infection.
- Symptoms of Sepsis: In extreme cases, the infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of sepsis include rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.
When to Go to Urgent Care for UTI
- Severe Symptoms: If you experience intense pain, high fever, or notice bloody urine, it is critical to seek an urgent care center immediately to avoid complications.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems should visit urgent care promptly if they suspect a UTI to prevent severe complications.
- No Improvement With Home Treatments: Professional medical care is necessary if over-the-counter pain relievers and plenty of water do not alleviate your symptoms within a couple of days.
- Recurrent Infections: If you frequently suffer from UTIs, seeking urgent care services allows for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan to prevent future infections.
Why Should I Go to Urgent Care for UTI?
Immediate Relief
An urgent care clinic offers prompt treatment for UTIs, ensuring you receive swift relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Delaying care can worsen symptoms, including severe pain, making everyday activities more challenging.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Urgent care facilities are equipped to provide comprehensive diagnostics, including a urine sample test, to determine the cause of your UTI accurately. This precision allows for a targeted treatment plan that effectively addresses your condition.
Avoidance of Complications
Untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications, such as kidney infections or severe kidney infections. Seeking immediate care helps prevent the infection from spreading and reduces the risk of more severe health issues.
Dr. Courtenay Moore, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes the importance of treating UTIs early to avoid complications. She notes, “An untreated UTI can move into the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis, which is a much more serious infection.” If not properly managed, this can result in severe pain, fever, nausea, and even permanent kidney damage.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which “can result in serious health problems such as permanent kidney damage or sepsis.”
What to Expect at Urgent Care
Initial Consultation
You will undergo a thorough consultation upon arrival at the urgent care facility. The medical professionals will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any underlying health conditions, ensuring a complete understanding of your situation.
Diagnostic Testing
A urine sample test will typically be performed to identify the presence of bacteria, blood, or pus in your urine. In some cases, additional tests, such as urine culture or lab tests, may be necessary to pinpoint the exact type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment Plan
Based on your test results, the healthcare provider will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan, usually involving antibiotic medications such as oral antibiotics. They will also provide advice on managing symptoms and preventing future infections.
How to Prevent Future UTIs
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day to maintain optimal hydration.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Proper genital hygiene, such as wiping from front to back, can prevent bacteria from entering the urethra and causing infections.
- Empty Bladder Regularly: To reduce the risk of bacterial growth, make a habit of urinating frequently and completely emptying your bladder, especially after sexual activity.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: To keep the genital area dry and minimize bacterial growth, opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of feminine hygiene products that contain irritants, such as douches and powders, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Experiencing UTI Symptoms? Call Access Total Care Today
Struggling with UTI symptoms can be incredibly distressing and disrupt your everyday life. Access Total Care is here to provide immediate, compassionate, and effective treatment to help you return to your normal routine as quickly as possible. Our locations include Corpus Christi, Portland, Kingsville, and Cibolo/Schertz.
At Access Total Care, our highly trained providers and medical staff are dedicated to offering top-notch medical care for UTIs and other urgent health needs. With comprehensive diagnostic tools and a patient-centered approach, we ensure you receive the best care possible.
Don’t let UTI symptoms slow you down. Call us today and take the first step toward fast, effective relief!
