What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common but can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous if left untreated. Symptoms can strike suddenly and significantly interfere with daily life. Please keep reading to learn about the most common symptoms of a UTI, how they are treated, and why prompt, in-person medical care is very important.

What Is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that occurs anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes the:

• Kidneys (upper tract)

• Ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder)

• Bladder (most common site of infection)

• Urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body)

  
  

UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the intestines. These bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder.

What Causes a UTI?

Bacteria can enter the urinary tract in a number of ways. The most common way a UTI begins is when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra. This can happen due to:

• Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom

• Sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria into the urethra

• Poor hygiene or improper cleansing

• Use of urinary catheters

• Certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicides

  
  

Is a Bladder Infection the Same as a UTI?

Many people say “UTI” and “bladder infection” interchangeably because bladder infections are the most frequent kind of UTI. But there are actually three sub-types of urinary tract infection:

• Cystitis, which affects the bladder

• Urethritis, which affects the urethra. This is more commonly caused by certain sexually transmitted illnesses, like chlamydia and the herpes simplex virus. However, it can also occur due to bacterial infection. 

• And nephritis, which affects the kidneys. In the context of a urinary tract infection (UTI), nephritis refers specifically to pyelonephritis, a bacterial infection of the kidneys. This is a serious upper UTI and occurs when bacteria ascend from the bladder or urethra into the kidneys.

So, while a bladder infection is a UTI, a UTI is not always a bladder infection. 

What Are Common UTI Symptoms?

UTI symptoms can vary depending on which area is infected. 

Common Cystitis Symptoms (Bladder Infection):

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Burning or pain while urinating

• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Blood in urine (sometimes)

  
  

Urethritis Symptoms:

• Burning sensation when urinating, typically worse than in cases of cystitis

• Increased urgency or frequency of urination

• Itching, pain, or discomfort in the urethra

• Discharge from the urethra (more common in men)Blood in urine or semen (in men)

• Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort (sometimes)

  
  

Pyelonephritis Symptoms (Bacterial Kidney Infection):

Pyelonephritis may include the symptoms of a lower UTI, including burning and urgency with urination. It also presents with more serious symptoms, including:

• Fever, which can be high grade (above 101 degrees)

• Flank pain, one-sided or bilateral, typically in the area of the kidneys

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue

How Do You Test for a UTI?

OTC UTI Test Strips

These strips detect the presence of substances like leukocytes and nitrites in urine. You typically hold the strip in a running stream of urine or dip it into a provided sample container. While these types of strips can act as a quick at-home screening and encourage you to seek treatment, they are not a substitute for professional testing and diagnosis. 

In-Office Urinalysis

A doctor or other healthcare provider will perform what is known as a dipstick test. This is a quick test using a chemically treated strip dipped into a sample of your urine. Similar to at home strips, the dipstick can offer guidance for treatment but it is not definitive. It checks for:

• Leukocyte esterase (suggests white blood cells are present, which indicates infection).

• Nitrites (evidence of bacteria that reduce nitrates, like E. coli).

• Blood and protein in urine (bacteria irritate the lining of the urethra, which can cause it to bleed slightly. Inflammation can also damage the kidneys’ filtration barrier, which allows proteins to leak into the urine).

Less commonly, your provider may also examine a urine sample under a microscope to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. 

Urine Culture

This is the “gold standard” for confirming a UTI. A sample of your urine will be sent to a laboratory for testing. This will determine the specific type of bacteria causing your infection. It is important to remember that, while most UTIs are caused by E. coli, not all are. Confirming what microbe is causing your infection will ensure you are receiving the most effective treatment. 

How Long Does a UTI Last?

With treatment, a UTI typically starts to improve within 1–2 days, and symptoms may fully resolve within 3–7 days. Without treatment, the infection may linger and potentially worsen. You do not want to risk the infection spreading to the upper urinary tract, which can be life-threatening. 

If you have symptoms that persist for more than 24 hours, go to your nearest urgent care. 

Can I Get Antibiotics Online?

Unfortunately, yes. There are many online telehealth providers through pharmacies and other companies that will prescribe you antibiotics without any testing or in-person assessment. While this is convenient, it carries significant risks. You may not realize you have a low grade fever, for instance, and this cannot be confirmed via virtual visit. Other vitals are ignored as well, including respiratory rate and blood pressure. These are critical in evaluating the progression of any illness. 

Furthermore, skipping the urine dipstick and culture and diagnosing a UTI based on symptoms alone is inherently dangerous. Symptoms of a UTI can overlap with other conditions, including certain STIs and kidney stones, which require very different treatment from a UTI. And even if you do have a UTI, it may not be caused by a bacteria that responds to the antibiotics you have been prescribed. Some UTIs can even be caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics at all. The wrong treatment can draw out your illness, potentially leading to serious complications. 

Long story short: telehealth is not worth the risk when it comes to UTI. It is far more appropriate to seek treatment from an urgent care facility or walk in clinic where you can be properly evaluated. 

How to Sleep With UTI Discomfort?

Trying to sleep with a UTI can be tough. While you are waiting for your treatment to take effect, try the following to alleviate the discomfort:

• Make sure to hydrate throughout the day, but limit liquids to about 1-2 hours before bed.

• Before you go to bed, empty your bladder fully.

• Make sure you’re avoiding foods that can irritate your bladder. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can reduce the uncomfortable feeling of a UTI so you can easily sleep through the night.

• Take an over-the-counter analgesic, like AZO tablets*. These reduce the feeling of urgency and burning with urination.

• Use a heating pad for 15-20 minutes before bed. This can be placed on your back or belly, and it can help reduce any pain you may be feeling.

• Sleep in loose, comfortable clothes to reduce pressure on your abdomen.

• Change your sleeping position. Try sleeping on your back or with a pillow under or between your knees.

*AZO tablets and similar meds contain phenazopyridine, which can turn your urine yellow or orange. This can interfere with an in-office dipstick test, so try to avoid them before you see your provider. They will not interfere with a culture, however. 

How to Avoid Future UTIs

UTIs are not always preventable, but there are certain measures that make them more unlikely:

• Wipe front to back after using the bathroom

• Urinate after sex

• Stay hydrated and avoid holding in urine

• Choose cotton underwear and breathable fabrics

• Avoid irritating feminine products or douches

• Consider probiotics or cranberry supplements, especially if you’re prone to UTIs

Urinary tract infections can affect anyone, regardless of personal habits or hygiene. It's important to seek medical attention without hesitation—healthcare providers are here to help, not judge. In most cases, UTIs are easily treated, but if infections are recurring or the cause is unclear, we can also help with a referral to a specialist such as a urologist or nephrologist to identify underlying conditions and ensure appropriate care. 

West Omaha Urgent Care For UTI

If you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Midwest Minor Medical’s West Omaha urgent care clinic, we offer walk-in services, quick UTI testing, and same-day treatment options. No appointment needed, fast just relief when you need it most. Visit us today and start feeling better now!