Have you ever had the frequent urge to urinate, and everyone you talk to tells you to drink cranberry juice? You may be dealing with a urinary tract infection or a UTI. UTIs are very common – around 60% of women and 10% of men will get one during their lifetime.
UTIs can create intense feelings of discomfort and lead to more severe problems if not addressed right away. Sometimes, you may want to go into urgent care to get antibiotics to treat your symptoms and get rid of the infection.
This blog will answer the question, “Can you go to urgent care for a UTI?” We’ll cover some of the signs you should look out for when seeking UTI urgent care treatment.
Can You Go to Urgent Care for a UTI?
Most UTI cases aren’t serious enough to require you to visit the emergency room. Emergency rooms are better suited for more serious conditions than something minor, like a UTI. Heading to an urgent care facility is the better option.
Urgent care offices handle minor health problems that can’t wait for normal business hours. They see their patients on a first-come, first-serve basis. They’re also a great option if you cannot get into your primary care doctor right away.
When to Go to Urgent Care for UTI Symptoms Relief
You should seek medical care if you suspect you have a UTI. Many people opt for home care techniques, but they’re not always effective at getting rid of the infection.
Burning Sensation While Urinating
Pain while urinating may be a sign you have a UTI. Sometimes, the burning sensation can worsen to the point where it’s almost unbearable.
However, burning while urinating could signify other medical problems, such as:
- STD or STI
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
Don’t immediately assume that you have a UTI just because you have painful urination. Head into urgent care for accurate UTI diagnosis and treatment.
Constantly Feeling the Urge to Urinate
Another telling sign you may have a UTI is feeling like you always have to go to the bathroom. The lining of your urethra and bladder becomes irritated and red when you have a bladder infection. This can cause pain in some of the following areas:
- Lower back
- Pelvic area
- Lower abdomen
This pain can give you the sensation of needing to pee more often. You may feel a strong urge to urinate, but very little or no urine will come out. That’s because your bladder is so irritated that it makes you feel that way even though there’s no urine in it.
Urine That’s Not a Normal Color
Pale yellow is the optimal color for urine. Bright red urine could indicate that you’re dealing with a kidney or bladder issue that needs medical attention. Frothy or foamy urine could mean you have a potential kidney issue.
UTIs can cause abnormalities in your urine, such as:
- Red or brown color
- Unusual smell
- Cloudiness
Keep in mind that none of these indicators should be interpreted as you having a UTI. You should always head to urgent care to get a proper diagnosis.
What to Expect When Going to Urgent Care for a UTI
Thankfully, it doesn’t take too long to find out if you have a UTI in urgent care. You can be in and out of the office in a few hours, depending on how long the wait is.
Diagnosis
UTIs can be diagnosed by analyzing a sample of your urine. The urgent care office will examine your urine under a microscope, looking for white blood cells or bacteria. These two elements are signs of infection.
They may also decide to take a urine culture. This examines your urine to see if yeast and bacteria are present. Bacteria and yeast could cause a UTI.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive depends on the type of UTI you have. The two kinds of UTIs include:
- Simple
- Complicated
Simple UTIs happen in healthy individuals with normal urinary tracts. They can get treated with a three-day course of antibiotics.
The urge to urinate and pain should go away after you take a few doses of the medication. Even if this happens, make sure you take the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the UTI is fully treated.
Complicated UTIs occur in people who have abnormal urinary tracts. They also happen when antibiotics can’t get rid of the infection. Most women tend to have simple UTIs, while children and men get complicated ones.
Post-Treatment
As mentioned earlier, your symptoms should improve after taking antibiotics for a few days, but it is important to complete the full course of medication. If all of your symptoms have resolved, you don’t need to get another urine culture to show that your infection is gone.
If you have a complicated UTI, you may need to get a follow-up urine culture to ensure the infection is gone. Patients may need to take another round of antibiotics or other types of medication if their symptoms persist.
Things to Do at Home to Ease Your Symptoms
There are a few things you can do at home to help relieve your UTI symptoms. Keep in mind that these aren’t a substitute for antibiotics and professional medical care. They’re designed to help you feel better and keep your body healthy.
Some of the things you can do at home include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Increasing your Vitamin C intake
- Taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice
- Taking probiotics
- Implementing healthy hygiene habits
- Adding D-Mannose to your diet
- Limiting drinks or foods that irritate your bladder
- Avoiding holding your pee for long periods
Find the Best Place for UTI Treatment in the Augusta Area
Don’t wait to get your symptoms treated if you believe you have a bladder infection. Treating a UTI at urgent care is a quick way to diagnose your problem and ensure you take the right medication. Take preventative steps at home to decrease your risk of getting UTIs in the future.
MedNow is here to provide you with exceptional care if you’re dealing with a UTI. We have multiple urgent care centers located throughout the Augusta area. Contact us to find a location near you.
