UTI's

Bacteria is the leading cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). The infection can happen in any part of the urinary tract. Viruses or fungi can also cause UTIs. Women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men are less common but more serious.

Causes

Germs are the usual cause of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Germs can travel up your urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body), into your bladder or kidneys and then cause infection. Women tend to get more UTIs because their urethras are shorter. Sexual activity can make it easy for germs to get inside the urethra. People who have diabetes or women who are pregnant are also prone to frequent UTIs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of UTIs vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. Lower UTIs are an infection of the urethra and bladder. These symptoms include:

Back to Illness

Bloody urine
Burning with urination
Cloudy urine
Urine looks pink, red or the color of tea
Bad odor in urine
Increased need to urinate with minimal urine being passed
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Pelvic pain (women)
Rectal pain (men)

Treatment

In order to make your UTI better, you will have to take antibiotics.

When to go to Urgent Care?

Willis Urgent Care can diagnose your UTI and prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Take all the antibiotics prescribed until they are finished or you run the risk of the infection returning.

You should head to an emergency room for treatment if you have any of the following:

Nausea, fever, vomiting, chills, or pain in one side of your back under your ribs
You have diabetes, a weak immune system or kidney problems
Have blood or pus in your urine
Are over 65
Are pregnant

For more information on UTI's: Kidney and Bladder Infections, see the following websites:

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/urinary_tract_infection_uti/article_em.htm

https://www.webmd.com/women/uti-17/default.htm

Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of Willis Urgent Care. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.