About this service
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of part of the urinary system. A bladder infection is one type of UTI. Burning when urinating, needing to urinate more often, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort are common reasons to seek assessment.
Urinary symptoms can have more than one cause. A provider reviews your symptoms and medical history, recommends urine testing when appropriate, and discusses treatment or further evaluation. Do not assume every episode of urinary discomfort needs antibiotics.
What to Expect
A visit may include:
Treatment typically includes antibiotics when appropriate, along with hydration guidance and symptom relief recommendations.
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Ask about urinary frequency, burning, urgency, or pelvic discomfort
- Perform a focused exam
- Recommend urinalysis testing when appropriate
- Determine if antibiotics or other treatments are needed
When to Visit Urgent Care
You should visit urgent care for a possible UTI if you experience:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Mild fever or fatigue
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care immediately if you have high fever, flank pain, vomiting, signs of kidney infection.
Frequently asked questions
Can urgent care diagnose a UTI?
A provider can review your symptoms and use urine testing when appropriate to help diagnose a UTI.
Will I need antibiotics?
Most bacterial UTIs require antibiotics. Your provider will determine the appropriate treatment.
How soon will symptoms improve?
Improvement depends on the infection and treatment. Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
Can UTIs go away on their own?
Some mild cases may improve, but untreated UTIs can worsen and should be evaluated.