AFC West University UTI Testing & Treatment Near Me

AFC Urgent Care offers treatment for all UTIs, including kidney and bladder infections. Visit our clinic 7 days a week for walk-in UTI Testing & Treatment.

UTI Diagnosis & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West University

Testing

When you visit AFC Urgent Care West University for UTI testing and treatment, your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and test your urine with a urinalysis or urine culture to identify what type of bacteria is causing the infection. This allows our team to determine the most effective course of treatment for your specific situation.

Treatment

We typically prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria in your bladder or kidneys that are causing the infection. If you're experiencing significant pain or burning while urinating, we may also prescribe additional medication to relieve that symptom. This pain relief medication may temporarily change the color of your urine to orange, which is completely normal.

Aftercare

It's important to take all medications exactly as prescribed and to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before the prescription is finished. Drinking plenty of fluids and following your provider's instructions will support your recovery. If your symptoms persist or if you have any concerns, walk into AFC Urgent Care West University any time Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., no appointment needed.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The most common type of UTI is a lower urinary tract infection, typically presenting as a bladder infection.

Lower Tract Infections

A lower tract UTI affects the bladder and urethra. It occurs when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urethra and migrate upward to the bladder. Lower tract UTIs are more common in women due to the shorter female urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

Upper Tract Infections

An upper tract UTI affects the kidneys and ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Unlike lower tract infections, upper tract UTIs typically result from an infection that has spread upward from the lower urinary tract. This type is generally considered more serious due to the potential for more severe symptoms and complications.

Common UTI Symptoms

Urinary tract infections can produce a range of symptoms, some shared between men and women and others that may vary by individual. Common UTI symptoms include:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sex

How Do You Get a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are significantly more common in women than in men, largely due to the shorter female urethra. It's estimated that 40 to 60 percent of women will experience a UTI at some point in their lifetime, and 25 percent of those women will go on to have a repeat infection.

UTIs can develop from a variety of factors affecting both women and men. Sexual intercourse is one of the most common contributing causes, as bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra during sex. Poor hygiene habits, such as wiping from back to front, can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Holding urine for extended periods or not fully emptying the bladder during urination can further create conditions that encourage bacterial growth.

Risk Factors

UTIs can affect people of any age, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Common risk factors include:

• Not urinating after sex
• Use of urinary catheters
• Menopause
• Weakened immune system
• Certain forms of birth control
• Family history of UTIs
• Urinary reflux into the kidneys
• Poor hygiene and toilet habits

Recurrent UTIs

While many people experience a UTI at least once, some individuals deal with infections that return repeatedly. Several underlying factors can contribute to recurrent UTIs.

Reinfection

Some people are susceptible to reinfection by the same or a different strain of bacteria. Bacteria that cause UTIs can adhere to the lining of the urinary tract, and if not fully eliminated through treatment, they can multiply and trigger a new infection. Consistent preventive habits are especially important for anyone prone to reinfection.

Incomplete Treatment

Stopping antibiotics before completing the full prescribed course can allow bacteria to survive and cause the infection to return. It is essential to follow the complete treatment plan as directed by your healthcare provider.

Urinary Tract Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities within the urinary tract, such as urinary tract obstructions, urinary stones, or vesicoureteral reflux, can make a person more vulnerable to recurrent infections.

Autoimmune Disorders

A compromised immune system reduces the body's ability to fight off infections. Conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain immune-suppressing medications can all increase the risk of repeated UTIs.

Hormonal Changes

Shifts in hormone levels, particularly in women, can raise susceptibility to UTIs. This is frequently observed during pregnancy, menopause, and when using certain types of hormonal contraception.

Sexual Activity

Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, raising the risk of infection particularly for women. Frequent sexual activity or the use of certain contraceptive methods may contribute to recurring UTIs.

Personal Hygiene

Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement can transfer bacteria toward the urethra, increasing UTI risk. Consistent attention to proper hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.

Bladder Infection vs. Kidney Infection

Both bladder infections and kidney infections are types of urinary tract infections, but they occur in different areas of the urinary system and can present with different symptoms and levels of severity.

UTI Prevention

If you've had a UTI before, you already know it's not something you want to repeat. The good news is that several practical steps can significantly reduce your risk of future infections.

1. Stay Hydrated!

Staying well-hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent UTIs. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes frequent urination, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before it has a chance to cause an infection. Adequate fluid intake is especially important during warmer months when dehydration risk is higher.

2. Good Hygiene and Bathroom Habits

Good hygiene habits play a significant role in UTI prevention. After swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean, change out of your wet bathing suit and shower promptly to remove bacteria from the genital area. Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent bacteria from being introduced into the urethra.

3. Choose the Right Clothes

Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton helps reduce moisture buildup in the genital area, making the environment less hospitable to bacterial growth.

4. Urinate After Sex

Urinating shortly after sexual activity is one of the most effective steps for UTI prevention. Bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra during intercourse, and urinating afterward helps flush them out before they reach the bladder.

5. Take Your Time and Completely Empty Your Bladder

Taking your time and fully emptying your bladder during each bathroom visit reduces the chance of bacteria lingering in residual urine. Urinating slowly allows the bladder to contract more effectively and release urine completely.

6. Don’t Hold It!

Emptying your bladder regularly and avoiding holding urine for extended periods helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.

Visit AFC Urgent Care West University today. Walk in any time Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., no appointment needed.