Urgent care for UTIs

Are you experiencing burning or urgency with urination? You may have a urinary tract infection or UTI. UTIs can occur in men and women at any age. When you visit one of our convenient urgent care centers, we can diagnose and treat your UTI symptoms right away to help you feel better faster. Just walk in, save your spot online or schedule a virtual visit for same-day care.

Young adult woman using a laptop on a couch with her cat

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection

If you are experiencing burning during urination or an increased feeling of urinary urgency, these could be symptoms of a urinary tract infection or another common infection. These types of infections are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and can lead to more serious complications, like a kidney infection, if left untreated. 

It is important to seek medical attention and start treatment as soon as possible. We offer UTI testing at all of our urgent care centers, so visit us at the first sign of a UTI. We want to help you to feel better faster.

Woman sitting and drinking water

Causes of a urinary tract infection

UTIs are commonly caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.coli). This type of bacteria lives in our digestive tract and due to women’s anatomy, it can be easily transferred to the urethra. 

Sexual intercourse can increase the chance of UTIs in women, but that is not always the cause. Menopause, pregnancy, and certain types of birth control may also increase the chance of UTIs. Other causes of UTI symptoms for men and women include: 

  • Blockages, like kidney stones or prostate problems for men
  • Urinary tract abnormalities
  • Suppressed immunity 
  • Catheter use
  • Recent urinary surgery or procedure

While you can experience different causes and symptoms of UTIs, medical treatment is required to help prevent complications.

UTI testing and diagnosis

The process of diagnosing a UTI can depend on your medical history. For some, a virtual visit evaluation may suffice to help you get the treatment you need.

Typically, diagnosing a UTI involves a physical exam, which will include a discussion of current symptoms. Be sure to mention any pelvic pain, fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, which could be signs of a more severe infection. 

The physical exam may involve: 

  • Evaluation of your medical history and frequency of UTIs.
  • Urinalysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells and bacteria.

If you have symptoms, it is important to get UTI testing as soon as possible. Without the proper diagnosis, UTIs can lead to more severe infections and complications. Therefore, it is important to seek UTI care right away.

Evaluation

of your medical history and frequency of UTIs.

Urinalysis

to look for white blood cells, red blood cells and bacteria.

UTI treatment and prevention

If you are found to have a UTI, you can be expected to be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic you will need depends on the type of bacteria present and your medical history. 

Depending on the severity of your UTI symptoms, you may also be prescribed medication to numb the burning and pain you feel when urinating. Symptoms of a UTI should resolve within a few days of starting the antibiotics, though the full course of the prescription should be completed. 

If you are experiencing frequent UTIs, further evaluation and treatment might be required. Fortunately, we can quickly refer you to the right provider in our network.

If you have had a UTI, you might be wondering how to prevent a UTI from coming back. Prevention is important and possible when it comes to UTIs. A few things that can help with UTI prevention include:

  • Staying well hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water a day.
  • Washing hands before and urinating every time after sexual activity.
  • Wiping from front to back after using the restroom.
  • Taking bathroom breaks to urinate at least every four hours.
  • Consider a preventive antibiotic or probiotic.
  • Applying vaginal estrogen cream in postmenopausal women.

These few simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce the frequency of painful UTIs.

Woman using the GoHealth UC app on her phone

When to visit an urgent care near you for UTI concerns

Painful urination or pain in the pelvic area can be a sign of a UTI and other genital or urinary-related conditions. UTI testing is essential when experiencing symptoms so other conditions can be ruled out. 

When you visit one of our urgent cares for UTI evaluation and treatment, our caring providers will evaluate and diagnose your symptoms and provide a treatment plan. We can refer you to our extensive network of specialized providers if further evaluation is needed. 

We can also help determine if you have any other common conditions that might be similar to UTIs, such as: 

  • Vaginal yeast infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (testing and treatment)
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Kidney stones
  • Other urinary problems

We do not offer pap smears, HPV testing or other routine annual gynecological visits. We would be happy to connect you with an in-network provider if needed.

When you visit one of our conveniently located urgent care centers, you can be sure you will receive confidential quality care every time. Just walk in or save your spot online so we can help you feel better as soon as possible. 

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Health news and tips for the whole family

Stay on top of your health

Get seasonal tips and tricks

Healthy food and fitness inspiration

Subscribe to our newsletter

    By providing your email address you agree that GoHealth Urgent Care and our health system partner may contact you in the future. Your privacy is important to us; view our Privacy Policy.