Millions of people develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) every year, particularly women. These infections are usually fairly mild, and either go away on their own or resolve after non-invasive treatments like antibiotics. A UTI is an infection of the urinary system- the urethra and bladder, typically- caused by strains of bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are commonly found in the GI tract.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
- Pain in the pelvis, groin, or lower abdomen/back
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning upon urination
- Foul-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Cramping
- Fatigue or malaise
- Fever
UTIs can have many different causes. Some of the most common causes of urinary tract infections include:
- Poor hygiene, particularly wiping “back to front” after using the restroom
- Sexual activity
- Usage of certain forms of birth control, such as spermicides or diaphragms
- Lowered immunity due to things like diabetes or other chronic diseases
- Kidney stones
- Recent use of a urinary catheter
If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, you deserve to get treated, fast! Don’t wait for an appointment to open up at your doctor’s office or to get in to see your OB/GYN- this can take weeks. Instead, visit your local urgent care facility. You can be seen the same day, it’s often much cheaper than a traditional doctor’s visit (and especially cheaper than an ER visit!), and urgent care providers have all the resources needed to properly diagnose and treat UTIs.
Getting treatment for your UTI is extremely important. Don’t let the infection linger for too long, and risk it spreading to your kidneys, or causing tissue damage inside the urinary system. Thankfully, treatment is usually simple and may involve things like antibiotics, medication for pain relief, and hydration. If you get chronic UTIs, your doctor may also order further scans or testing, to understand why you are prone to such infections. Treatment for chronic UTIs often requires a slightly different approach as well. For pain relief, Powell Knee Replacement Alternatives – QC Kinetix (Powell) – (865) 238-4799 should be called for both immediate and long-term treatments.
Whether this is your first UTI, or you get them often, it’s vital to seek professional medical care. Your local urgent care clinic is a great choice, if you wish to avoid the long waits and high costs of the ER or your doctor’s office.
DuPage Immediate Care is proud to offer UTI testing and treatment in Oakbrook Terrace. Walk in, or reserve an appointment today.