Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment At AFC Urgent Care New Bedford

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common infection that affects the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. Since women have shorter urethras than men, they are at higher risk of contracting a UTI. Most UTIs are caused by a bacterial infection and can therefore effectively be treated with antibiotics.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care New Bedford wants you to know the symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection so that you can seek treatment at our urgent care center as soon as possible.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection?

The most common symptoms associated with UTIs include:

• A painful, burning sensation when passing urine
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
• A frequent or constant urge to urinate
• Cloudy or smelly urine

When the kidneys are affected, other symptoms are often experienced. These can include:

• Back pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood-stained urine

How Long Does A UTI Typically Last?

How long a urinary tract infection may last depends on the severity of the infection and how promptly you seek treatment.

While most cases can clear up within a few days, more serious infections may take longer to completely go away. Severe cases may also require a follow-up appointment to ensure the infection is taken care of and to avoid recurrent UTIs.

Can I Treat My UTI At-Home?

If you frequently get UTIs, staying hydrated and clean will go a long way in preventing future infections. Public health experts such as the Mayo Clinic suggest these at-home remedies for UTIs:

Stay hydrated! Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently. This allows bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.

Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.

Wipe from front to back after urinating or bowel movements. This method helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.

Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.

Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.

Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.

When at Home Remedies Don’t Work….How to treat a UTI

UTIs are normally treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotics used will depend on the type of bacteria that is found to be the cause of your UTI. Completing the full course of antibiotic treatment is important even if symptoms disappear before the end of the prescribed course.

Even if you plan to treat your UTI at-home, it’s important to get the correct diagnosis first!

Can I Go To AFC Urgent Care New Bedford For UTI Treatment?

You do not want your urinary tract infection to last for days or weeks without treatment. We highly suggest getting a diagnosis and treatment for UTI. If you can’t get an appointment with your primary care doctor, you can visit AFC Urgent Care New Bedford any day of the week with no appointment needed.