UTI

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection in part of the urinary system, which includes the:

• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder)
• Urethra (channel through which urine exits the body)

Types of UTIs include cystitis (a common bladder infection), urethritis, and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). Most UTIs affect the urethra and bladder and are typically less severe than kidney infections.

What symptoms do UTIs cause?

Common UTI symptoms include:

• Red, pink, or brown urine
• Burning feeling when passing urine
• Feeling a constant need to urinate
• Cloudy urine
• Passing urine frequently but in small quantities
• Urine that has a strong or unpleasant smell
• Pelvic pain

Infections like cystitis can cause urgency incontinence, where you can’t hold on to your urine until you get to a toilet. If the infection reaches your kidneys, you may experience severe, extensive pain across your back and around your sides and feel feverish and nauseous.

What causes UTIs?

UTIs develop when bacteria enter your urethra and travel up the urinary tract. Although your body’s immune system effectively deals with most bacteria and viruses, these organisms can occasionally get through your defenses.

Women are particularly susceptible to UTIs because of the short distance between the urethral opening and the anus and the short length of the urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

How are UTIs treated?

Treatment for UTIs typically involves using antibiotics to destroy the bacteria responsible for an infection. Your physician at Doctor’s Own Urgent Care can take a urine sample for analysis at the on-site lab. Testing identifies the bacteria causing your UTI and enables your doctor to prescribe the most effective antibiotic.

Ignoring a mild UTI could cause it to develop into a more severe illness, which is potentially life-threatening if it affects the kidneys. While most infections won’t result in such serious outcomes, it’s always worth treating a mild UTI to ensure it can’t develop into anything worse.

Can I prevent UTIs?

You can help yourself avoid UTIs with good personal hygiene that prevents bacteria from the anus from reaching the urethral opening. You should also drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and ensure frequent urination to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract.

If you have UTI symptoms, call Doctor’s Own Urgent Care, book an in-person or telehealth appointment online, or visit the walk-in clinic today.