Urinary Tract Infection

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) develops when bacteria enter your urinary tract. Often, it’s bacteria from your rectum that causes a urinary tract infection. The bacteria can settle anywhere in the urinary tract, but infections are most common in the kidneys and bladder.

Women are more likely to develop a UTI than men because their urinary tract is shorter, and bacteria can enter easily. Also, a woman’s urethra is closer to her rectum than in men, heightening the risk of bacteria spreading.

Other risk factors for infections in the urinary tract include:

• Age
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Sexual activity
• Poor hygiene

Men with an enlarged prostate may also be at a higher risk for UTIs. Both men and women can develop chronic infections, especially as they age.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

If your UTI begins in your bladder, you may experience painful, frequent urination, blood in your urine, and cramping in your lower abdomen.

Infections that start in your kidneys can cause symptoms like:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lower back pain

If you have any symptoms of a UTI or a history of recurrent infections in your urinary tract, you can schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

To determine if your symptoms relate to a UTI, the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care requests a sample of your urine for further testing.

If you have recurrent infections, you may need an ultrasound or other diagnostic imaging tests to identify blockages or abnormalities in your urinary tract.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?

To relieve symptoms of a UTI and clear the infection, the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care prescribes antibiotics. You can expect to take the medications for several days, and you must take all of the medication to ensure the infection doesn’t come back.

If you need treatment for recurrent UTIs, you may need to start low-dose antibiotics that you take for six months or longer.

The team at Cali Quick Urgent Care can also provide resources that lower your risk for additional infections. They recommend that you drink lots of fluids and practice good hygiene, especially before you have sex.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of a urinary tract infection, call Cali Quick Urgent Care to schedule an appointment, or book a visit online today.