Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is a common medical condition that can cause unpleasant symptoms like pain, a burning sensation, or persistently feeling like you need to urinate. If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, visit Bristol & First Medical Clinic & Urgent Care to receive prompt treatment. A member of our experienced team can assess your symptoms, test for a UTI, and provide UTI treatment.
No appointment is necessary to visit our Santa Ana urgent care for UTI treatment. Walk-in appointments are welcome and we are open daily from 8AM to 9PM.
FAQ About Urinary Tract Infections
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when any part of the urinary system becomes infected. The urinary system includes the urethra, the bladder, the kidneys, and the ureters.
What causes a UTI?
A UTI typically occurs when bacteria enters the body through the urethra, then multiplies in the bladder. Both women and men can get UTIs but UTIs are more common in women. Women are more prone to getting UTIs because a women’s urethra is shorter, which means bacteria has a shorter distance to travel before reaching the bladder and causing an infection.
The urinary system can become exposed to bacteria in numerous ways, so there are many causes of UTIs. Both men and women are at a higher risk of getting a UTI if they have urinary tract abnormalities, kidney stones, a weak immune system, or diabetes. Additionally, those that have certain STDs (including chlamydia and gonorrhea) are more likely to get UTIs. Some things that cause a higher risk for UTIs in women include sexual activity, sexual activity with a new partner, the use of diaphragms, the use of spermicide, and menopause.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of a UTI can include:
A persistant urge to urinate
Frequently passing small amounts of urine
Pain or a burning sensation during urination
Strong smelling urine
Cloudy urine
Bloody urine (which can look pink, red, or brown)
Pain or discomfort in the pelvis
If a UTI is affecting the kidneys, UTI symptoms can also include:
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Chills
Upper back and side pain
How do you treat a UTI?
Because UTIs are caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually used as the first line treatment for a UTI. The type of antibiotic your doctor may prescribe for a UTI can vary, since different types of bacteria can cause a UTI. Your doctor can determine the type of bacteria that is causing your UTI through various types of diagnostic tests. The most common test used to diagnose a UTI is a urinalysis (a test of your urine).
Will a UTI go away on its own?
A UTI can go away without treatment but it generally does not. If you’re experiencing the
symptoms of a UTI, it’s important that you visit a doctor to find out whether or not a UTI is causing your symptoms. An untreated UTI can sometimes cause more severe issues if it’s left untreated. An untreated UTI can lead to kidney infection, which is a serious medical issue. Additionally, other types of medical issues can cause UTI-like symptoms, including STDs and vaginitis. A doctor can determine if a UTI is causing your symptoms or if you’re experiencing a different medical issue.