What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection affecting your urinary tract, which includes your bladder and urethra. UTIs are usually caused when bacteria invades your urinary tract. The infection makes it painful to urinate and produces other uncomfortable symptoms.
Women are more prone to UTIs than men. UTIs are easily treated, but, an untreated UTI may lead to severe complications if it spreads to your kidneys.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTIs don’t always cause symptoms, but you may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Urgent, persistent need to urinate
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Bright pink, red, or cola-colored urine that suggests the presence of blood
- Pain in your pelvic region, especially among women
In older adults, the signs of a UTI may be overlooked or mistaken for another condition.
What causes a UTI?
UTIs are the result of bacteria entering and multiplying in your urinary tract, such as your bladder or urethra.
Cystitis is a type of bladder infection caused when E. coli bacteria enters your urinary tract during sexual intercourse. Urethritis is a type of UTI caused by the spread of bacteria from the anus.
Certain factors may raise your risk of getting a UTI, such as sexual activity, your anatomy, or using a diaphragm or spermicidal agents for birth control.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
Your provider at West Sacramento Urgent Care reviews your medical history, including whether you have a history of UTIs. You describe your symptoms and may need an examination.
A UTI is typically diagnosed with a urine test. West Sacramento Urgent Care offers an onsite lab where you can provide a urine sample. The test identifies the strain of bacteria causing your infection, so your provider can recommend the most effective antibiotic.
How is a UTI treated?
The first line of treatment is antibiotics. Your provider recommends an appropriate antibiotic based on your infection. They may write you a prescription for:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Your symptoms should improve dramatically in just a few days. However, be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.
If you think you have a UTI, get the treatment you need today. Call or book a consultation online with West Sacramento Urgent Care.
