Urinary Tract Infection Q & A

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection is an infection of any of the parts that comprise your urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidneys. Typically, a UTI starts in the urethra or bladder. However, without treatment, the infection can travel up to the ureter and kidneys, which can have more serious consequences and become more difficult to treat. Women get UTIs more frequently than men, and in some cases, get them repeatedly.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs don’t always have noticeable symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

• A strong urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urination in small amounts
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine (red, pink or brown urine)
• Pelvic pain, especially in the center of the pelvis and pubic bone area

How do you treat a UTI?

When you arrive at Warner Plaza Urgent Care Center, an experienced physician will give you an exam, and may also ask for a urine sample. Once your UTI is confirmed, the doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics. The number of days you need to take the medication will depend on the severity of your condition, as well as the type of antibiotic prescribed (depending on any allergies or other considerations). You will usually feel symptom relief within 24 hours, but you must continue taking the full course of antibiotics to completely rid your body of the infection.

Can you treat a UTI with IV Therapy?

In some cases, particularly if the UTI is severe and/or has traveled further up the urinary tract, you may need IV antibiotic treatment. This enables higher doses of antibiotics to flood your system immediately, through your bloodstream, rather than your digestive system. Warner Plaza Urgent Care offers on-site IV antibiotic infusions, so you can get this powerful, rapid treatment during your visit.

In some cases, you will need to return for additional IV treatments, or you may be able to use oral antibiotics after the initial IV infusion, depending on your condition.

If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, do not wait and suffer from painful, annoying symptoms. Call, schedule an appointment online, or simply walk into Warner Plaza Urgent Care’s office in Woodland Hills, California, and receive a prompt, professional diagnosis and treatment.