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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.
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When you visit AFC Urgent Care West Haven for urinary tract infection testing, one of our medical providers will review your symptoms, perform an evaluation, and collect a urine sample for testing. Depending on your symptoms, we may perform a urinalysis or send a urine culture to identify the bacteria responsible for your infection. These results help determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific UTI.
Most urinary tract infections are treated with prescription antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection in the bladder or kidneys. If painful urination is one of your symptoms, your provider may also prescribe medication to help relieve discomfort. Keep in mind that this medication can temporarily turn your urine a reddish-orange color.
Be sure to take every dose of your prescribed medication and complete the full antibiotic course, even if your symptoms improve before it's finished. Staying well hydrated and following your provider's instructions can also support your recovery. If your symptoms persist or worsen, visit AFC Urgent Care West Haven any time Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that develops anywhere within the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. The majority of UTIs affect the lower urinary tract and most commonly involve the bladder.
Lower urinary tract infections occur in the bladder and urethra. They usually develop when bacteria—most often Escherichia coli (E. coli)—enter the urethra and multiply inside the bladder. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, they are generally more likely to develop this type of infection.
Upper urinary tract infections involve the kidneys and ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. These infections often occur when a bladder infection spreads upward through the urinary tract. Kidney infections are more serious than lower UTIs because they can lead to more significant symptoms and health complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may vary from person to person, but many people experience one or more of the following:
Urinary tract infections are more common in females than in males due to the shorter urethra in women, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. It’s expected that 40 to 60 percent of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime in the U.S., and 25 percent of affected women will have a repeat infection.
Although sexual activity is a common trigger because bacteria can enter the urethra during intercourse, UTIs may also result from poor bathroom hygiene, wiping from back to front, holding urine for extended periods, or not fully emptying the bladder. Both women and men can develop urinary tract infections under these circumstances.
Anyone can develop a UTI, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
While many people only experience a UTI occasionally, others develop repeated infections. Several underlying factors can contribute to recurrent UTIs.
Some individuals are more susceptible to repeated infections caused by the same or different bacteria. If bacteria remain attached to the urinary tract lining after treatment, they can multiply again and trigger another infection. Practicing good hygiene and preventive habits can help reduce the likelihood of reinfection.
Stopping antibiotics too early or failing to complete the prescribed treatment can allow bacteria to survive, increasing the chance that the infection will return. Always take your medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract can make it more prone to recurrent infections. Examples include urinary tract obstructions, urinary stones, or vesicoureteral reflux (a condition where urine flows back from the bladder to the kidneys).
Medical conditions or medications that weaken the immune system may reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain immune-suppressing medications are examples of factors that can increase UTI risk.
Changes in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or while using some contraceptives, may increase a woman's likelihood of developing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Frequent sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, particularly in women. Certain contraceptive methods may also contribute to a higher risk of repeated infections.
Improper hygiene practices, including wiping from back to front after using the restroom, can transfer bacteria to the urethra and increase the risk of developing another urinary tract infection.
Bladder infections and kidney infections are both classified as urinary tract infections, but they affect different areas of the urinary system. A bladder infection is limited to the lower urinary tract, while a kidney infection occurs when bacteria spread to the kidneys. Because kidney infections can become more serious, recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Haven is important.
Bladder Infection |
Kidney Infection |
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Complications If left untreated, a bladder infection can potentially spread to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection. |
Complications If left untreated, kidney infections can lead to severe kidney damage, bloodstream infections (sepsis) and potential long-term complications. |
If you’ve experienced a UTI before, you know it’s not an experience you want to repeat. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent future infections.
Hydration is crucial, especially to prevent UTIs. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes frequent urination, which helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Adequate hydration is especially important during warmer months when you’re at higher risk of dehydration.
It’s no secret that proper hygiene is essential for your overall well-being, but those habits also help you avoid UTIs. After swimming in pools, lakes and oceans, it’s important to change out of your wet bathing suit and shower promptly. This helps remove any bacteria that may have accumulated in the genital area. When you use the restroom, especially public restrooms or portable toilets, be sure to wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from intruding into the urethra.
In terms of clothing choices, we recommend wearing loose-fitting and breathable garments made from natural fibers like cotton. This allows for better air circulation and reduces moisture buildup in the genital area, creating a less favorable environment for bacterial growth.
It is crucial to urinate after sexual activity to help prevent UTIs. During sexual intercourse, bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra. If these bacteria reach the bladder, they can multiply and cause an infection. By urinating after sex, you flush out any potential bacteria that may have entered the urethra, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, urine acts as a natural cleanser, helping to clear away any remaining bacteria.
Taking your time and fully emptying your bladder when you urinate is important for preventing UTIs. When you only partially empty your bladder, some urine may remain stagnant in the bladder, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and multiply. By fully emptying your bladder, you reduce the chances of bacteria lingering and minimize the risk of infection. By taking the time to urinate slowly, the bladder is able to contract more effectively, leading to the complete release of urine.
Another crucial preventive measure is to empty your bladder regularly and avoid holding in urine for extended periods of time. Frequent urination helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.
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