Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
More than 50 percent of women will experience a bladder infection, or UTI, in their lifetime and a common question we get at UM Urgent Care is, "Do I need to come in if I think I have a UTI?"
The short answer is: yes, anytime you're concerned about your symptoms you should visit a doctor. Left untreated, a bladder infection can travel to the kidneys and cause a serious illness.
So, here's the scoop on what to do if you suspect you have a bladder infection:
UTI Symptoms
Telltale symptoms of a UTI may include:
- Cloudy urine
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Pelvic pain
- Urine with a foul smell
UTI Causes
UTI's happen when bacteria enters the bladder. There are certain risk factors causing bacteria to enter the bladder, including:
- Anatomy
- Women are more likely than men to get a UTI
- Certain urinary tract abnormalities cause an increased risk of UTI
- A recent urinary procedure
- A weakened immune system
- Catheter use
- Menopause
- Sexual activity
- Some birth controls
Diagnosing a UTI
If you think you have a UTI, get seen by a medical professional. Typically, antibiotics help to clear a UTI quickly, which is why it's important to get treatment right away – especially before the infection spreads.
UTI Prevention
Water, water, water! Staying hydrated can help flush bacteria from the area. Other keys to prevent a UTI include:
- Avoid irritating products in the genital area
- Urinate soon after intercourse
- Wipe from front to back
An urgent care clinic like UM Urgent Care is a great option if you think you have a UTI – we're open 8 am-8 pm every day (including weekends).