Facts about UTI
What is a UTI?
UTI stands for urinary tract infection. Nearly 1/3 of all the women in America will have a UTI before the age of 24.
How does a UTI happen?
A UTI typically occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract. The urinary tractincludes the urethra, bladder,ureters, andkidneys. The kidneys filter waste from the body and send it to the bladder through the ureters. The urethra is the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body, allowing disposal of urine. The bacteria normally enters at the urethra and continues up through the tract, causing an infection.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTI symptoms include pain or burning during urination, an urgent need to urinate but little or no urine produced, and cloudy or foul smelling urine. Depending on where the UTI is located along the urinary tract, you may also experience fever and a tenderness in the belly.
How serious is a UTI?
Normally, a UTI is easily addressed by antibiotics. Please find the FastMed medical clinic nearest you and see a doctor as soon as the symptoms begin. If left untreated, a UTI can become a very serious health issue. If the UTI engages the upper urinary tract toward the kidneys, it is no longer a simple bladder infection but is calledpyelonephritis. This UTI can cause high fever, vomiting, and significantpain around your kidneys. The response to a UTI that reaches the kidneys is much more aggressive due to potential complications.
Can I get tested for a UTI at FastMed?
Yes. We have labs at each of our FastMed walk-in clinics, so test results are almost immediate. Once the UTI is confirmed, we can start you on the appropriate course of antibiotics. Staff can even provide you with onsite medications, saving you valuable time and money by leaving the clinic with your medications in hand. Don’t worry about an appointment. We’re open 365 days of the year and walk-ins are welcome.
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About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.