UTI

UTI services offered in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, IL

Did you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in children? They also affect 60% of women, who have a high risk of recurrent UTIs. At every age, you can depend on advanced UTI treatment at NewMed Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Prospect, Illinois. It’s essential to seek help at the first sign of a UTI to get treatment that eliminates the bacteria and stops the infection from spreading to the kidneys. You can walk into the nearest office or schedule an appointment by calling or using the online booking feature.

What causes a UTI?

UTIs develop when bacteria get into the urinary tract. The bacteria come from microorganisms naturally found on your skin, especially around the anus.

Women have more UTIs than men because their urethra (the tube carrying urine) is shorter, and its opening is closer to the anus. As a result, it’s easier for bacteria to reach the urethra.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs cause one or more of the following:

Frequent urination
Strong need to urinate (urgency)
Urine leakage
Strong-smelling urine
Pink or dark-colored urine
Lower abdominal pain

UTIs can stay in the urethra, or the bacteria may travel into the bladder or kidneys. If a kidney infection develops, you’ll have additional symptoms, such as a fever, chills, back pain, and nausea.

What are recurrent and complicated UTIs?

Recurrent and complicated UTIs need more intensive treatment than a routine infection. When a man develops a UTI, it’s automatically a complicated infection. You may also have a complicated UTI when the infection is:

Caused by physical issues like an obstruction or kidney stones
Caused by a weakened immune system
During pregnancy
In a person with kidney disease

Recurrent UTIs also fall in the complicated category. Your NewMed Immediate Care provider diagnoses a recurrent UTI if you have two or more infections in six months or three during one year.

Recurrent UTIs increase the risk of ongoing bladder problems and, in pregnant women, can cause an early delivery or a low-birth-weight baby.

How is a UTI treated?

Your provider prescribes antibiotics to eliminate the infection. They choose the type of antibiotic and the length of treatment based on whether you have a simple or complicated UTI. They also recommend treatment for underlying conditions causing a complicated UTI.

Recurrent UTIs may need a different antibiotic regimen. Your provider may prescribe low-dose antibiotics for an extended time or a single antibiotic dose after intercourse (if your UTIs tend to develop after sex).

You can also follow self-care tips to lower the risk of UTIs, such as drinking extra fluids to flush out the bacteria before they can cause a UTI and drinking cranberry juice. Cranberries contain ingredients that prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall. Choose beverages that are at least 27% cranberry juice.

You’ll receive expert UTI care at NewMed Immediate Care. Call the nearest office, walk in, or book an appointment online today.