Prompt Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections in Chestnut Hill, MA

Come to PhysicianOne Urgent Care if you need treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Our facility in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, is staffed with caring providers who always offer individualized care. Plus, it has an on-site lab that allows us to quickly diagnose UTIs for our patients. We’re open 365 days per year and have extended evening hours to ensure our patients can receive the care they need right when they need it—no appointment necessary.

What Are UTIs?

The term “urinary tract infection” refers to any type of infection that develops within the urinary system, which includes the urethra, the bladder, the ureters, and the kidneys. UTIs are sometimes referred to using different terminology depending on where the infection occurs within the urinary tract. For example, bladder infections can be referred to as “cystitis,” urethra infections can be referred to as “urethritis,” and kidney infections can be referred to as “pyelonephritis.”

While UTIs have numerous potential causes, they most commonly occur when bacteria—for example, E. coli, which is found in the large intestine—enter through the urethra and then travel through the urinary tract. Because women’s urethras are shorter and located closer to their anuses than men’s, women tend to have a higher risk of developing UTIs.

Common Symptoms of UTIs

Some of the most common symptoms of UTIs include:

• Red, bright pink, or cola-colored urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• A persistent need to urinate
• Frequently producing small amounts of urine
• A burning sensation while urinating
• Back pain
• Pelvic pain (in women)
• Feeling unwell

The Importance of Prompt Treatment

UTIs are very common. In fact, according to the Office on Women’s Health, more than half of women will experience a UTI at least once during their lifetime. The prevalence of UTIs often makes people less likely to seek treatment, since they assume that UTIs aren’t a serious problem. But if you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above, it’s important that you promptly consult with a professional.

When a UTI is left untreated, it can worsen into a more serious kidney or prostate infection, producing symptoms like pain, a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. In some instances, infections like these can enter the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.

UTI Treatment Approaches

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, which are medications that are specially engineered to fight bacterial infections. The specific type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the patient’s overall health and the type of bacteria causing their infection. For example, some of the antibiotics commonly used to treat mild UTIs include:

• Ceftriaxone
• Cephalexin
• Fosfomycin
• Nitrofurantoin
• Sulfamethoxazole
• Trimethoprim

UTI symptoms generally begin resolving within a few days after the patient starts taking antibiotics, but it’s still important to finish taking the full course of medication. Stopping an antibiotics prescription early could allow a UTI to return. And because the UTI might have built up resistance to antibiotics, it could be more difficult to treat the second time.

When you come to PhysicianOne Urgent Care for UTI treatment, you’ll receive a brief physical exam from one of our practitioners and be asked to produce a urine sample that will be analyzed in our on-site lab. If you are diagnosed with a UTI, we will prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the bacteria in your urinary tract and get you on the road to wellness.

Post-Treatment Care & Prevention Tips for UTIs

Once you’ve completed the prescribed course of UTI treatment and your infection has resolved, it’s important that you take steps to avoid developing a similar infection in the future. Here are a few tips on how to prevent UTIs and maintain good urinary tract health:

• Stay hydrated by drinking at least six to eight glasses of fluids each day.
• Urinate whenever you feel the urge (at least once every three to four hours).
• When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back.
• Take showers rather than baths.
• Clean your anus and the outer portion of your genitals at least once per day (but avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays).
• Wear underwear that contains a cotton crotch.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting shorts and pants.
• Change out of wet clothing quickly (for example, swimsuits and workout clothes).
• Urinate before and after engaging in sexual intercourse.

Unfortunately, some individuals are prone to recurrent UTIs, and it’s possible to develop an infection despite following all of these tips. If you continue experiencing UTIs, you should speak to a medical provider, as they may be able to offer you advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances.

Visit Us Today for Your UTI Treatment

There’s no need to wait around for an appointment with your primary care physician when you need prompt urinary tract infection treatment. Visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Chestnut Hill today, and we’ll have you in and out in no time at all. Our urgent care center is located at 1210 Boylston Street, near the Shops at Chestnut Hill. Or, speak to a provider remotely using our 24/7 integrated telehealth service.