Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, or UTI, you’re probably familiar with the painful, increased urination one can cause. Up to 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will experience a UTI at some point in their lifetime.

These bacterial infections can cause all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms, but they can usually be treated effectively with an antibiotic. Seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms can help you get the relief you need.

UTI Diagnosis & Treatment Online or in Person

Find yourself needing to urinate more frequently, or experiencing pain and burning when urinating? You may have a UTI. Through NGPG Urgent Care, we offer the expert diagnosis and treatment you need to get back to feeling your best.

Choose the type of urgent care that works best for your needs. You can find the urgent care location that’s closest to you for an in-person visit, along with lab work, or check in with a medical professional from the comfort of home through a video visit.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract. Once the bacteria travels through the urethra and into the body, it may cause infection in any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder and the kidneys.

In addition to simply being called UTIs, these infections may also be called a “bladder infection” or a “kidney infection,” based on the part of the urinary system they affect. Those two infections are types of urinary tract infections. Bladder infections, also called cystitis, are most common.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs cause uncomfortable symptoms related to urination, but the symptoms can differ somewhat depending on the specific part of the urinary tract that’s affected.

The symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

• Bloody urine
• Cramping or pressure in the groin or lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Pain or burning while urinating

Those with a bladder infection may also feel like they need to urinate even just after emptying their bladder. If left untreated, a bladder infection may develop into a kidney infection.

The symptoms of a kidney infection may include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Low back pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Kidney infections also cause urinary-related symptoms, but the infections are typically more severe. Prompt treatment is needed to keep the infection from spreading into the bloodstream.

It’s important to note that UTIs can cause alarming, seemingly unrelated symptoms in older adults, including sudden confusion and delirium.

What causes a UTI?

Normally, the urethra is a one-way street, with urine traveling out of the body. Sometimes, however, bacteria can make its way through the urethra and into the urinary tract.

UTIs are more common in women because of their anatomy. The urethra in the female urinary tract is shorter, reducing the distance bacteria has to travel into the body, and the rectum is also in closer proximity to the urethra.

Other risk factors for UTI include:

• Changes in the bacterial makeup of the vagina
• Personal history of UTIs
• Poor hygiene
• Pregnancy
• Recent sexual activity
• Structural problems in the urinary tract

Urinary tract infections are also more common among young children and older adults.

When should I seek care for a UTI?

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be uncomfortable and disruptive. If you’re feeling less than your best, stopping by NGPG Urgent Care can get you the care you need.

In some cases, you may be able to find relief from symptoms at home, but an antibiotic is usually needed to get rid of the underlying infection causing those symptoms. You should see a provider promptly if you see blood in your urine or are experiencing urinary-related symptoms along with a fever or chills.

Get treated today with NGPG

Experiencing UTI symptoms and looking for treatment? Our network of board-certified physicians extends across Northeast Georgia, offering quick, compassionate care for patients and their families.