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UTIs can cause pain and discomfort. This is why AFC Urgent Care offers treatment to help you get back to normal as soon as possible.
Urinary tract infections are a common ailment, affecting millions of people across the world. Although generally not serious, if they are not treated, they can lead to further complications. AFC Urgent Care has professional staff who can diagnose and treat UTIs in a safe, efficient manner.
What doctor do I go to for a UTI?
Urologists are best trained to treat any condition involving the urinary tract and the reproductive systems. Other healthcare professionals may be involved in your care: a urologist may work with an oncologist to treat prostate cancer, or with a gynecologist to treat pelvic pain in women. The urologist will be at the head of your medical team if you have a urologic condition.
Sometimes another healthcare professional will refer a patient to a urologist. While your primary care doctor may be able to treat some minor urologic issues, often people go straight to a urologist for treatment. However, if your symptoms do not go away, it is best to see a urologist and get to the root of the problem. If you know your symptoms or condition involve the urinary tract, you may choose to see a urologist as your first step.
When should I go to the doctor for a UTI?
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are bacterial infections in the urinary system. They are very common, and though there can be exceptions, they’re usually not serious.
Your urinary tract includes your bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. Symptoms include:
- Pain, burning, or other problems when you pee.
- Blood in your urine.
- Urinating often and in small amounts.
- Having to urinate very badly.
- Pain in your back, or the area over your bladder.
- Urine is cloudy or dark, or smells bad.
- Fever or chills.
Where do I go to get treated for a UTI?
Visiting a doctor for a urine test is the best way to figure out which bacteria is causing your UTI, and consequently which antibiotic will work best for treatment.
UTIs can be caused be a wide variety of different bacteria, and not every antibiotic can effectively treat everyone. You want to make sure you find the source before you start treatment to avoid unnecessary or multiple rounds of antibiotics. We have doctors who specialize in treating UTIs at AFC Urgent Care, so come in today to seek treatment!
Can I Treat a UTI Without Antibiotics?
It’s not likely you’ll get an effective UTI treatment without antibiotics. An infection occurs when bacteria come into contact with the urine. When bacteria come in contact with urine, it desterilizes it, and the urinary tract can become infected or filled with harmful bacteria. Anyone can get one, but women are more likely than men. Others who are more susceptible include those who suffer from a lower immune function, such as those with HIV/AIDS. People with serious conditions like diabetes are far more likely to develop a UTI. Because of the increased opportunity for bacteria to come in contact with the urine, women who use a diaphragm as a means of birth control increase their chances of developing an infection in the urinary tract as well. Having kidney stones or an enlarged prostate are some other conditions that may increase the likelihood of contracting a urinary tract infection.
Since the body is having trouble defeating the infection-causing bacteria, an effective UTI treatment without antibiotics is unlikely. Since a urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, the only way to cure them is with prescription antibiotics that kill bacteria.
If you are experiencing pain when you urinate, you may have a urinary tract infection. At AFC Urgent Care, we have specialists trained in diagnosing and treating UTIs. Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, call us or visit us online!
