UTIs: What They Are, How to Prevent Them, and When to See a Doctor

If you have ever had a urinary tract infection, or UTI, you know the feeling: a burning sensation when you urinate, the constant urge to go, and the frustration of dealing with something you just want gone. UTIs are one of the most common infections people experience, and there is nothing unusual or embarrassing about getting one. According to the NIDDK, they happen to millions of people every year, across all ages and backgrounds.

Here is what you should know about UTIs — what causes them, how to lower your risk, and when it is time to see a provider instead of toughing it out.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system: the kidneys, ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

The most common culprit is a type of bacteria called E. coli, which normally lives in the digestive tract. When these bacteria make their way into the urinary tract, they can multiply and cause an infection. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), bladder infections are the most common type of UTI.

Common Symptoms

UTI symptoms can range from mildly annoying to genuinely painful. Here are the signs to watch for:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate — even right after you just went
• A burning sensation during urination
• Passing small, frequent amounts of urine
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain or pressure (especially in women, centered around the pubic bone area)
• Blood in the urine (urine that looks pink, red, or cola-colored)

If the infection moves to the kidneys, you may also experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the upper back or side. A kidney infection is more serious and needs prompt medical attention.

Who Gets UTIs?

Anyone can get a UTI, but certain factors increase the risk:

• Anatomy. Women are more likely to get UTIs because the urethra is shorter, which gives bacteria a shorter path to the bladder. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), women are significantly more likely than men to experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.
• Sexual activity. Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
• Menopause. Declining estrogen levels change the urinary tract lining, which can increase susceptibility to infection.
• Urinary catheters. People who use catheters, often due to hospitalization or mobility issues, have a higher infection risk.
• Urinary tract abnormalities or blockages. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder, creating an environment for bacteria to grow.
• A suppressed immune system. Conditions like diabetes or medications that affect immune function can make infections more likely.

Prevention Tips That Actually Help

You cannot guarantee you will never get a UTI, but there are straightforward habits that can lower your chances:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before an infection can take hold. The NIDDK recommends drinking enough fluids — especially water — throughout the day.
• Do not hold it. When you feel the urge to urinate, go. Holding urine for long periods gives bacteria more time to multiply in the bladder.
• Wipe front to back. This prevents bacteria from the anal region from spreading toward the urethra.
• Urinate after sexual activity. This helps flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse.
• Avoid irritating products. Douches, deodorant sprays, and scented products in the genital area can irritate the urethra and disrupt the body's natural defenses.
• Wear breathable underwear. Cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing help keep the area dry, since moisture can encourage bacterial growth.

You may have heard that cranberry juice prevents UTIs. The evidence on this is mixed. Some studies suggest cranberry products may offer a modest benefit, but they are not a reliable treatment for an active infection. If you enjoy cranberry juice, there is no harm in drinking it — just do not count on it as your only line of defense.

When Home Remedies Are Not Enough

Drinking extra water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild discomfort, but a UTI is a bacterial infection. That means it typically requires antibiotics to clear up completely. The CDC notes that untreated UTIs can progress to kidney infections, which may require more intensive treatment.

You should see a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms do not improve within a day or two
• You have a fever, chills, or back pain (signs the infection may have reached your kidneys)
• You see blood in your urine
• You are pregnant
• You get UTIs frequently (two or more in six months, or three or more in a year)
• You have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or other chronic health conditions

Trying to wait it out or relying solely on home remedies when symptoms are persistent or worsening can allow the infection to spread. A simple bladder infection that could have been resolved with a short course of antibiotics can become a kidney infection that requires more aggressive treatment.

What Treatment Looks Like at Urgent Care

Getting treated for a UTI at an urgent care clinic is quick and straightforward. Here is what you can generally expect:

1. A urine sample. You will provide a sample so the provider can test for signs of infection. Results are usually available within minutes using a rapid dipstick test. In some cases, a urine culture may be sent to a lab to identify the specific bacteria.
2. A brief exam and conversation. Your provider will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and whether you have had UTIs before. This helps determine the best treatment approach.
3. A prescription. If a UTI is confirmed, you will typically receive a short course of antibiotics. Most uncomplicated UTIs clear up within a few days of starting medication. Your provider will also recommend drinking plenty of water and may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort while the antibiotics take effect.

The entire visit usually takes well under an hour. There is no need to suffer through days of symptoms when treatment is this accessible.

No Judgment, Just Care

UTIs are a routine part of healthcare. Our providers see them regularly, and there is no question too small or concern too minor to bring up. Whether this is your first UTI or your fifth this year, you deserve to feel better — and you deserve to be treated with respect while that happens.

At Covenant Clinic, we are open 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM, with no appointment necessary. Walk in, get tested, get treated, and get back to your life.

Dealing with UTI symptoms right now? Save your spot online or walk in to Covenant Clinic at 3961 E Lohman Ave, Suite 34, Las Cruces. You can also call us at 575-556-0200 with any questions.