Urinary Tract Infection Specialist

What’s a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. The medical term for bladder infection is cystitis, and for an infection of the urethra, it is urethritis. While UTIs are common, they can lead to kidney infections and other serious complications if left untreated.

What causes UTIs?

UTIs occur when normal bacteria from the vagina, genital, and anal areas enter the urethra — where you urinate — and travels up into the urethra and possibly the bladder. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner’s genitals, anus, or fingers enter your urethra.

UTIs can also be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms. The providers at Schaumburg Immediate Care provide treatment for all causes of UTIs, including those related to STDs and other infections.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs cause irritation to the bladder and urethra, causing a frequent urge to urinate, even if you’ve just urinated and your bladder is empty. Other common UTI symptoms include:

• Pain or burning sensation when you pee
• Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
• Blood or pus in your urine
• Soreness, pressure, or cramping in your abdomen, lower back, or sides

If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you’re likely to experience more severe symptoms, including:

• Pain in your mid-back on either side of your spine
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

With early treatment, the providers can help reduce the risk of your UTI spreading to your kidneys.

How are UTIs treated?

In order to determine if you have a UTI, the Schaumburg Immediate Care providers offer same-day urine testing for UTIs. The test only takes a few minutes once you provide your urine sample in the office. Based on the type of bacteria causing your infection, your provider prescribes appropriate antibiotics.

Some antibiotics need to be taken for longer periods of time—up to a few weeks—especially if you have recurrent UTIs. Your provider explains how often and how long to take your antibiotics to most effectively clear up your infection. An STD test may be recommended if your infection could have been caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Don’t let a UTI spread to your kidneys — get care today at Schaumburg Immediate Care. Either walk in or make an appointment online or by phone now.