Urgent Care Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
It is extremely common to experience a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs cause an estimated 8 million yearly visits to urgent care centers and other medical facilities in the United States.
Though women are more likely to experience UTIs, more than 10% of men will experience UTI symptoms at some point in their lives.
ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care offers fast and compassionate care for UTI symptoms seven days a week, with no appointment necessary.
Learn more about UTIs, how they occur, their symptoms, their duration, and why urgent care offers prompt and effective treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of UTIs?
UTIs can progress very quickly, so administering antibiotics as soon as the onset of symptoms is critical.
Although drinking plenty of fluids like cranberry juice and plain water is an effective symptom management strategy, most UTI cases require antibiotics to treat successfully.
ClearChoiceMD provides UTI treatment that addresses the following symptoms
- Feeling the need to urinate even when the bladder is empty
- Pain during urination
- Blood in urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
Causes of UTIs
The following conditions can cause UTIs. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize your risk.
Intercourse
During sexual intercourse, bacteria can be transferred to the urethra through bodily motion. The following tips can help you reduce your UTI risk
- Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Try to urinate 15 minutes before sexual activity
- Cleanse the external region surrounding your vagina and urethra right after sex by rinsing with warm water
- Wear loose clothing post-sexual intercourse to inhibit the growth of bacteria
If you experience frequent UTIs, discuss the possibility of taking a post-intercourse prophylaxis antibiotic with your doctor.
Menstrual care products
Feminine care products, such as tampons, pads, and pantyliners, can potentially retain bacteria-friendly moisture and heat. Make sure you change these products every three or four hours to mitigate the risk of bacterial growth.
Retaining urine
If you hold your urine for over six hours, it may elevate the chances of getting a UTI. When bacteria remain in your bladder for an extended period, they have the opportunity to multiply rapidly, which can lead to an increased infection risk. Try to empty your bladder every three or four hours.
Dehydration
Drinking plenty of fluids reduces bacterial volume in your bladder. Drinking approximately six cups (50 fluid ounces) of water daily can lower UTI risk.
Gastrointestinal distress
Both diarrhea and constipation can contribute to UTI development. Constipation can impede the ability to empty the bladder completely, trapping bacteria and leading to an infection. Diarrhea can transfer bacteria to the urethra.
Unmanaged diabetes
When the glucose (blood sugar) level in your blood is too high, it leads to diabetes. This high blood sugar can contribute to the overgrowth of bacteria in the bladder and UTI development.
Kidney stones
When the concentration of minerals in the urine exceeds what the fluid is capable of diluting, the result is the development of hardened mineral clusters known as kidney stones. These clusters can pose a UTI risk by blocking the urinary tract, which may increase the likelihood of developing an infection.
What Is the Duration of a UTI?
A UTI that is left untreated can persist for several weeks or even longer. You may also be at a higher risk for developing more serious health problems, such as a kidney infection, if the infection continues to spread.
It is crucial to seek urgent care services for a UTI to maintain the health of your urinary system.
Typically, a UTI can be resolved entirely within three to seven days when treated with the appropriate medication. The symptoms associated with the infection can be expected to cease approximately 48 hours following treatment.
If you are experiencing a significant amount of pain, over-the-counter painkillers can minimize the discomfort, burning, and persistent need to urinate during the healing process.
ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care: Quick and Efficient Treatment for UTI Symptoms
Don't wait for treatment if you or someone you care about requires immediate attention for a urinary tract infection. The caring and knowledgeable team at ClearChoiceMD is prepared to provide prompt and efficient UTI treatment that will help you find relief.
Urinary tract infection symptoms should not be ignored—visit one of our 21 convenient urgent care locations today.
ClearChoiceMD is open seven days a week. Walk-ins are always welcome.