Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are fairly common and easily treated when they’re caught early enough. Left untreated, however, some UTIs turn into full-blown infections that lead to pain, fever, and more. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, high temperatures, and pelvic pain, visit our family physicians at Physicians Medical Urgent Care in San Jose, California by calling or booking online.
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that occurs anywhere in your urinary system which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most take place in the lower part of the urinary tract.
UTIs are caused when bacteria enter your urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in your bladder. Your urinary system is designed to keep harmful bacteria out, but when new bacteria is introduced at high levels, your body can’t keep up, and an infection develops.
Factors that increase your chance of getting a UTI include:
UTIs can cause a variety of symptoms that may start gradually and worsen with time if the infection goes untreated. The most common symptoms include:
Yes, UTIs come in three main types, including:
If you think you may have a UTI, seek medical guidance promptly. The sooner you’re diagnosed and treated, the better you’re able to fight off the infection before it worsens.
Upon diagnosis, your doctor at Physicians Medical Urgent Care prescribes antibiotics, which work quickly to alleviate the infection. If your infection has progressed, the doctors may turn to IV antibiotics.
When you get home, be sure to drink plenty of liquids to help flush out the infection and to get your urinary tract functioning properly again.
If you suspect you have a UTI, visit Physicians Medical Urgent Care to stop the infection in its tracks.