UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Discreet (UTI) Treatment
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused when bacteria make their way into the bladder through the urethra. According to the National Institute of Health, it’s the second most common type of bodily infection and is most prevalent in women. If you feel you have a UTI, walk in to the nearest MEC clinic immediately.
Are There Different Kinds of Urinary Tract Infections?
There are three different types of urinary tract infections: Cystitis, Urethritis and Pyelonephritis.
Bladder inflammation is the most common type of UTI and is known as Cystitis. Urethritis, or urethra inflammation, is the second most common type of UTI and is typically contracted through sexual intercourse with a partner who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Pyelonephritis is when bacteria from your bloodstream spreads to your kidneys.
Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
During your visit, the medical practitioners at Midwest Express Clinic urgent care will collect a urine sample from you. The urine sample will be tested to properly diagnose whether the symptoms you are experiencing are related to a UTI. If the test comes back positive, the medical practitioner may then prescribe an antibiotic for you to take as a course of treatment and send your urine out for further testing. The duration of medical treatment is dependent upon how bad your infection is. You are also welcome to take over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Azo to help with the pain and symptoms you may experience from the UTI.
Urinary Tract Infection Causes
Bacteria typically lives near your colon and rectum. A UTI is formed once bacteria is introduced into the urethra. The bacteria then multiplies and travels up to your bladder. Since women have a shorter urethra than men, a UTI is most common in females because the bacteria is closer to their bladder and settles there.
Other factors that increase your chances of a UTI may include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Not completely emptying your bladder after urination
- Catheters
- Kidney Stones
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
Symptoms of a UTI:
- Burning sensation and pain during urination
- Having the urge to urinate often, and when you do urinate very little is released
- Lower abdomen and/or back pain or discomfort
- Exhaustion or tiredness
- Body chills & a fever
- Cloudy urine
- Dark urine
- Bloody urine
- Odor to your urine
Prevention guide to avoid UTIs
- Stay hydrated! Water is your friend. And, go to the bathroom when you feel the urge
- Avoid irritating your bladder with overuse of alcohol and caffeine
- After sexual intercourse, make a trip to the bathroom and try to urinate even if you feel you do not need to go
- Maintain good personal hygiene, especially in the genital area – avoid scented soaps, douches, etc.
- While tampons are a popular choice among women, we suggest using sanitary pads or menstrual cups
- Women should wipe front to back, not back to front
If you believe you have a UTI, you will want fast treatment. If you contact your primary care physician, you may have to make an appointment which could take up to several weeks to get in, and the longer you wait the worse your UTI can become. Save time and money while receiving fast, quality care from our walk-in clinic with no appointment necessary! Midwest Express Clinic is open seven days a week with our convenient urgent care locations!
