A urinary tract infection (commonly referred to as a UTI) refers to an infection or bacterial growth in any part of your urinary system. Your urinary system includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. UTIs can be extremely painful and interfere with your day-to-day routine.
The team at TexomaCare Urgent Care can help diagnose your UTI, relieve your symptoms and prescribe antibiotic treatment.
We also answer your common questions so you can get the most out of your care.
Frequently-Asked Questions about UTIs
Q: What causes UTIs?
A: UTIs are caused by microbes entering the urinary tract. Certain risk factors spur bacteria growth including:
- Dehydration
- Not peeing for extended periods
- Nerve damage or injuries that make it difficult to regularly and completely empty your bladder
- Blockage to urine flow from conditions like kidney stones and enlarged prostates or activities like intercourse
- Immunosuppressive conditions and medications
- Hormonal changes like birth control, pregnancy and menopause
Q: Are there different types of UTIs?
A: There are three main types of UTIs, distinguished by which part of the urinary system is infected. Types of UTIs include:
- Acute cystitis – This type of UTI is typically referred to as a simple UTI or bladder infection. It is usually caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop it.
- Urethritis – This type of UTI refers to an infection of the urethra. Urethritis can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Additionally, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, urethritis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes.
- Acute pyelonephritis – This type of UTI is the most serious and affects the kidneys. Kidney infections typically happen when bacteria ascend from the lower urinary tract or arrive through the bloodstream.
Q: Who is at risk of developing a UTI?
A: Women are much more likely to contract UTIs than men, but men can have them as well. UTIs tend to be more serious in men as they are often related to more complicated conditions like prostate enlargement.
Q: Are UTIs dangerous?
A: UTIs that are limited to your bladder can be extremely painful but do not pose long-term consequences. However, serious complications can occur if your UTI spreads to your kidneys. Talk to your doctor right away to avoid this treatable infection from developing into a larger issue.
Q: What are the symptoms of a UTI?
A: Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be painful, but they are fairly easy to recognize. Common UTI symptoms include:
- Painful and frequent urination
- Urine that appears cloudy or reddish
- Fever
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual discharge
- Blood in urine
Q: How do you diagnose, treat and prevent a UTI?
A: Your doctor will collect a urine sample to diagnose your UTI, determine what type of bacteria is responsible for the infection and check white blood cells.
Once you get the result of your urine test, your physician will come up with a treatment plan. Infections caused by bacteria need antibiotics to fully resolve. In most cases, simple UTIs will resolve with 3-5 days of antibiotics. Drinking cranberry juice and plenty of fluids can help relieve symptoms in the meantime.
Preventive steps include:
- Urinating after sexual activity
- Staying well hydrated
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Wiping from front to back
Q: Why Go to Urgent Care for Urinary Tract Infection Treatment?
A: Urgent care is a great choice to get fast relief from UTI symptoms.
Contact Us Now
TexomaCare Urgent Care, located in Denison, Texas, and Durant, Oklahoma, is open seven days a week. We offer convenient daytime and evening hours for patients seeking urgent care for UTIs. TexomaCare Urgent Care can help diagnose UTIs and provide medical treatment.
