UTI Treatment in San Antonio, TX

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary system (e.g., the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters). A common culprit of UTIs is E. coli bacteria, which is normally found in the intestines. When trace amounts of this bacteria make their way into the urinary tract through the urethra opening, it can multiply and cause a UTI.

The bad news is E. coli can cause a chain reaction of painful symptoms and lead to complications like a kidney infection if left untreated. The good news is a UTI can be treated safely and effectively at an urgent care center near you.

How Long Does a UTI Last?

In rare cases, a UTI can resolve on its own without medical intervention within three to seven days.

However, most UTIs require prompt medical attention and a course of antibiotics.

A UTI typically clears up within five to ten days after starting antibiotic urinary tract infection treatment. However, the length of time depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of bacteria causing the infection.
• The severity of the infection.
• The type of medication used.
• Your medical history.

If you need help with a urinary infection, Visit Alamo City Urgent Care for UTI treatment today.

Common UTI Causes

These factors may increase your risk of urinary tract infection:

• Bacteria
  E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs.
• Sexual activity
  Sexual intercourse can introduce E. coli bacteria into the urinary tract.
• Poor hygiene
  Improper or incomplete wiping following a bowel movement (especially in women) can lead to the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Always wipe front to back to lower your risk.
• Urinary tract obstructions
  Any obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or tumor) can cause stagnant urine, allowing bacteria to grow.
• Suppressed immune system
  Those with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or chemotherapy can make people more susceptible to UTIs.
• Catheter use
  Any catheter use increases the risk of UTIs.
• Structural abnormalities
  Any structural or congenital abnormality that impacts the flow of urine increases your risk of UTIs.
• Urinary tract trauma
  Any trauma or injury of the urinary tract (e.g., during surgery or accidents) can increase your risk of UTIs.
• Age
  Infants and older adults have a higher risk of UTIs due to incomplete bladder emptying or weakened immune function.
• Certain medical conditions
  Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, menopause, and obesity can increase the risk of UTIs by impeding the proper functioning of the bladder and affecting the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Certain medications
  Immunosuppressants and certain antibiotics can increase the risk of UTIs by altering the balance of bacteria in the urinary tract.
• Recurrent UTIs
  Individuals with a history of UTIs have a higher risk of recurrence.
• Certain contraception
  Use of spermicides or diaphragms as a birth control method may increase your risk of UTIs.
• Anatomy
  Urinary tract infections are more common among uncircumcised men.

UTIs are more prevalent in women than in men due to morphological differences. Women tend to have a shorter urethra than men. This means their urethral opening is even closer to the anus than it is in men. This proximity makes it easier for E. coli bacteria to enter the urethra.

UTI Symptoms

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination.
• More frequent urination.
• A persistent urge to urinate.
• Mild to severe pelvic pain or discomfort.
• Dull and aching or sharp and intense back pain.
• Low-grade fever and chills.
• Cloudy or bloody urine.
• Foul-smelling urine.
• Pain behind the scrotum in men.
• Pain during ejaculation in men.
• Confusion or delirium in older adults.

It is important to note that individuals with a UTI may not experience all these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person.

When to Seek Urgent Care for UTI

Seek immediate urgent care near you if you experience one or more of the above symptoms—especially if they are accompanied by fever, nausea, and chills.

To avoid complications, all urinary tract infections should be promptly addressed at an Alamo City Urgent Care center, to prevent serious complications, like kidney infection, kidney damage, and sepsis.

If you are pregnant and suspect you have an infection, visit urgent care for UTI treatment right away to lower your risk of pregnancy complications like premature birth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

After describing your symptoms, your doctor will request a urine sample and urinalysis. A urinalysis (urine test) allows the doctor to identify the type of infection you have and the bacteria responsible.

This gives your doctor the information they need to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic and dose to treat the infection.

If you’re struggling with reoccurring urinary tract infections, we can refer you to a urologist for further testing (e.g., blood tests, a CT scan of the urinary tract, and cystoscopy).

These tests are fundamental in diagnosing the root cause of your recurrent infections and how to treat your issue more effectively.

UTI treatment often involves a course of antibiotics. You must complete your entire UTI medication to prevent minor infections from becoming severe.

Your doctor may also prescribe a urinary anesthetic to offer more immediate relief from urinary burning, pain, urgency, and frequency. However, this medication is not an antibiotic, will not cure the infection, and must be used with an antibiotic.

How Can I Lower My Risk of UTIs?

Here are a few ways you can help lower your risk of a urinary tract infection:

• Stay hydrated and urinate every few hours to flush our bacteria.
• Urinate as soon as possible after intercourse to flush out bacteria.
• Avoid holding your urine to lower your risk of bacteria overgrowth.
• Always wipe front to back (women), keep your genitals clean and dry, and avoid using harsh soaps or douches in the genital area.
• Wear breathable underwear to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Manage chronic health conditions that may impact urinary health.
• Talk to your primary care provider to find out if antibiotic prophylaxis is right for you, especially if you struggle with recurrent UTIs.

Visit Alamo City Urgent Care for UTI Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with the pain and discomfort of a UTI, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for prompt urgent care treatment. Our medical staff will quickly assess your symptoms and determine appropriate treatment to help you feel better fast. 

The results from your urinalysis will determine the antibiotic to be prescribed, the duration of your treatment, and the dosage. A complicated infection will be treated using an intravenous higher dosage of antibiotics for UTI.

You can book ahead to save time or simply walk in for safe, effective, and urgent care for UTI. Our skilled medical professionals will help you get back to feeling your best fast.