Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A very common bacterial infection that affects millions of people each year is the urinary tract infection. It seems that like these can be caused by almost anything since they’re so common. If you are experiencing any signs of a urinary tract infection, then come into WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids to get treatment.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Lower urinary tract infections (UTI) are an infection of the urethra and bladder. This occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travels to the bladder. Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections as the urethra is very small, which makes it easier for bacteria to become trapped. This infection is not usually dangerous but does cause a lot of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The main symptoms of a urinary tract infection are:

• Frequent and intense urge to urinate
• Dark, cloudy, or bloody urine
• Burning and pain when urinating
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Most urinary tract infections are caused by the E. coli bacteria. This type of UTI is commonly referred to as a bladder infection. Also, the infection can occur when bacteria from the GI tract spread from the anus to the urethra. Having an STI (sexually transmitted infection) can sometimes make it more likely to get a UTI since it can irritate the urethra and cause inflammation. If you have kidney stones that block the urinary system, you may be more likely to experience a UTI. Finally, UTIs can occur because of sexual activity, especially when using certain types of birth control like a diaphragm.

Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

If untreated, a UTI can spread and become a kidney infection, causing digestive and kidney diseases. It’s important to treat urinary tract infections promptly, especially if you get recurrent urinary tract infections.

There are a variety of treatments available if you have a urinary tract infection. When you come into WellCare Urgent Care, one of our physicians will go over your symptoms and take a urine sample to test for an infection. Our lab checks the urine culture for white blood cells, which are typically a sign of infectious diseases. If you have a UTI, then an antibiotic can be prescribed to get rid of the bacteria. We can also give you pain medication to help manage any discomfort.

With an antibiotic therapy, uncomplicated urinary tract infections begin to subside within a few days. Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve. If you don’t finish the course, you can develop antibiotic resistance and become prone to recurrent infections.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections can be reoccurring. To help prevent future UTIs, or if you get frequent UTIs, there are some things you can do like:

• Wipe front to back: This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
• Drink enough fluids: Getting enough fluids helps you to urinate more frequently, thus cleaning out the urinary tract.
• Pee before and after sex: This is important to flush out any bacteria that has been introduced during intercourse. Because of the proximity of the vagina to the urethra, bacteria can easily spread in women. For men, bacteria can become trapped in the urethra.
• Drink cranberry juice: Although this is not a proven method to prevent a UTI, it’s thought that the acidity can help get rid of E. coli bacterial growth. It’s also thought that cranberries makes it difficult for bacteria to stick to the walls of the bladder.

Frequently Asked Questions about UTIs

How long do UTIs last without treatment? Without treatment, a UTI can persist for days or weeks, potentially worsening and spreading to the kidneys. It’s important to go to urgent care to prevent complications, even if you’re embarrassed. What makes UTIs more likely? UTIs are more likely due to factors like poor hygiene, sexual activity, dehydration, urinary retention, or anatomical differences, such as a shorter urethra in women. However, anyone can get a UTI and likely will over the course of their lifetime. What should you not do during a UTI? Avoid holding in urine, drinking or eating irritants like caffeine or alcohol, and stopping antibiotics if you’ve been prescribed a full course. Also, avoid using feminine washes, scented soaps, or douches since these can exacerbate symptoms. What is the fastest way a UTI can go away? The quickest way to resolve a UTI is by going to urgent care for antibiotics and staying hydrated to flush out bacteria. Can you get a UTI from not drinking enough water? Yes, dehydration can contribute your risk of UTIs by reducing the frequency of urination, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Drink more water to prevent the likelihood of UTIs.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a UTI then come into WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids to get checked by one of our physicians. We want to help you resolve these symptoms as quickly as possible so you can go on living a healthy, comfortable life. Schedule an immediate appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.