Urinary Tract Infection

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections don’t always cause issues; although in some cases, symptoms are easily overlooked. The most common sign of a urinary tract infection or a bladder infection is burning while urinating. However, depending on the severity of your infection and how far into your urinary tract it has spread, you may experience

• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Strong-smelling urine
• Frequent urination
• Cloudy urine
• Pelvic pain

In more severe cases, you may have urine that’s reddish or brownish. This is a sign that you could have blood in your urine and need medical attention.

How did I get a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections affect both men and women. It’s so common, that women have over a 50% risk of developing a UTI at least once in their lifetime. Women are more commonly affected by urinary tract infections because their anus is so close to their vaginal canal and urethra. Because of this, Escherichia coli (E.coli) from your gastrointestinal tract can easily enter your urethra while wiping or cleaning yourself, or even during sexual intercourse.  

You may also suffer from a urinary tract infection due to:

• Using certain forms of birth control, such as diaphragms
• Having a suppressed immune system
• Blockages, such as kidney stones
• Urinary tract abnormalities

No matter what’s causing your urinary tract infection though, you can get the prompt treatment you need at Express Lane Urgent Care.

Do I need treatment for a urinary tract infection?

Yes! If left untreated, not only are your symptoms likely to worsen, your UTI can lead to serious complications, including permanent kidney damage. At Express Lane Urgent Care, your practitioner is likely going to request that you provide a urine sample in order to confirm a urinary tract infection. Depending on your UTI symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

• Antibiotic medications  
• Vaginal estrogen therapy (if you’re menopausal)
• Low-dose antibiotics (for frequent UTIs)

When you’ve been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, it’s important to drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day to help flush out the bacteria that’s lurking in your body. If you’re experiencing pelvic pain because of your UTI, your practitioner at Express Lane Urgent Care may suggest over-the-counter pain-relieving medications or even applying a heating pad to the area.

Before living another day with a urinary tract infection, see how the team at Express Lane Urgent Care can help. You can either walk in or call to schedule.