3 tips for recognizing UTIs and what to do if you have one

Although there are more acutely painful problems in life than a urinary tract infection (UTI), like a broken leg or a heart attack, a UTI presents its own set of challenges. If you have ever felt like you constantly had to use the facilities or it burned when you urinated, you know what we mean. For those who suspect they have a UTI and those not sure what one is or how to treat it, this article is for you.

What are UTIs - Urinary Tract Infections?

A urinary tract infection is just that - an infection of the urinary tract, i.e., the urethra, ureter, bladder or kidney. Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract, i.e., the urethra (urethritis) or the bladder (cystitis). Women are more prone to UTIs due to their anatomy, but men can also experience problems. If you think you have a UTI, look for these three signs:

1. 1. A constant urge to urinate, and/or when you do urinate, not much comes out

1. 1. A burning sensation when you urinate

1. Cloudy or discolored (pink, red or brown) urine

Many patients also present with pelvic pain, but these three symptoms are most indicative of an infection of the urinary tract.

What to do if you have a UTI

UTIs are easily treatable with antibiotics after proper diagnosis. If you suspect a UTI, come to our walk in clinic in Wellington to take a urine sample, which will enable us to see if it is a UTI or something else. The benefit of our walk in clinic that there is no need to make an appointment to come see us - just stop in and we’ll get you checked out.

After we confirm the UTI, we can give you a prescription for an antibiotic and you’ll be on your way. Be sure to take the entire course of antibiotic to ensure that none of the harmful bacteria remain and mutate into something worse.

If you still feel pain after the antibiotics or you notice an itching sensation down there, return to our urgent care in Wellington for additional testing at our on-site lab. It may be that you have a sexually transmitted infection or a yeast infection, and we want to make sure we are getting to the root cause of your discomfort.

Urgent Care Wellington - Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches

At Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches, we aim to provide urgent care in Wellington (Lake Worth), North Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. We are where you are and when you need it. If you need an walk in clinic in Palm Beach County, let Board Certified physician Dr. Sharif Salehi and his team ensure you get the care you need in the time you have.