Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTIs) is incredibly common and accounts for more than 6 million physician visits each year in the United States. If you suspect you have a UTI based on unusual urinary symptoms, the caring and highly skilled urgent care providers at StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, are here for you. They screen for and treat UTIs to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with StrongURCare over the phone or online, or simply walk in today.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A UTI is an infection within your urinary system, which is a drainage system for removing excess water and waste your body can’t use. Your urinary system consists of your kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. While a UTI can cause unpleasant urinary symptoms, simple treatments are available at StrongURCare.

What are the symptoms of UTIs?

If you have a UTI, you might experience one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Shakiness
• Pain or burning with urination
• Pressure in your lower abdomen
• Pelvic pain
• Strong-smelling urine
• Reddish, pink, or cloudy urine
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently

Complications of untreated UTIs can include kidney damage, pregnancy complications, a narrow urethra, or sepsis, which can develop into life-threatening complications.

Women are about four times more likely than men to experience UTIs. Your risk also increases if you have diabetes, are sexually active, have a spinal cord injury, use a catheter, or have a suppressed immune system.

How are UTIs diagnosed?

To diagnose a UTI, your provider at StrongURCare reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may perform a physical exam and use a urine test to diagnose your condition. In certain instances, your provider might recommend an ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs if they suspect urinary tract abnormalities. 

What is the treatment for UTIs?

To treat a urinary tract infection, your urgent care provider may suggest:

Antibiotics

Taking antibiotics is a common, simple treatment for UTIs. Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Vaginal estrogen therapy

If your provider suspects frequent UTIs result from hormone fluctuations associated with menopause, they may recommend vaginal estrogen therapy for symptom relief and to prevent UTI recurrences. 

At-home remedies

You can’t always avoid UTIs, but certain at-home remedies reduce your risk of developing them or alleviate symptoms. Examples include drinking a lot of water or cranberry juice and avoiding drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as soft drinks, alcohol, and coffee.

Don’t live with unpleasant symptoms associated with UTIs or let untreated urinary tract infections progress to serious complications. Schedule an appointment with StrongURCare by phone, request one online, or walk into the office today.