Medical Clinic - A Faster Way To Treat A UTI

While uncomfortable, most urinary tract infections do not require a trip to the ER, instead, a visit to the urgent medical clinic will suffice. You will not only receive the same quality care, but you'll have the added benefit of a shorter waiting period, a smaller bill, and you won't be rushed in and out without getting the chance to ask some questions.

A urinary tract infection is often called a UTI for short. It can happen to both men and women, but is much more common in females, especially women who are sexually active. The infection is caused by bacteria that enter the kidneys or bladder through the urethra. The bacteria can enter through a variety of means. Most commonly, women experience more UTIs because of the proximity of the anus to the urethra where fecal matter can cause the infection. Sexual intercourse and certain types of clothing may also contribute to infection.

UTI symptoms start off mild and generally increase within two to three days. Most people initially feel a frequent urge to urinate, even if no liquid has been consumed. Urine that is passed may be only a trickle, but the desire to relieve oneself is still present. As the infection progresses, there may be a noticeable stinging or burning following urination that may last for several seconds. At its final stages, blood may be visible in the urine, which may intensify over time. Once a person has experienced one UTI, they may be able to identify future occurrences early and prevent infection entirely through homeopathic remedies such as cranberry pills.

It is estimated that UTIs will clear naturally within a few days to weeks in up to 50% of people. Few will be able to last that long with the pain and frustration of the urination urges. A short dose of antibiotics can provide quick relief from symptoms and completely clear the bacteria within a few days to a week. If a patient does decide to try and let the infection pass naturally without the aid of antibiotics, it is important to monitor the condition closely. Infections that reach the kidneys pose more risks and require immediate care. If symptoms persist with antibiotic intervention and include a fever, the problem may not be a UTI but rather kidney stones or a tumor.

UTIs can be extremely uncomfortable and disrupt daily life, which is what eventually leads many people to visit an ER or wait for an appointment with their GP. However, a medical clinic is usually the better option for treatment. At a medical clinic, patients can be seen on the same day, many accept several forms of insurance and payment, and you'll be given a prescription for the appropriate antibiotics immediately so you can resume your normal activities. In many instances, the nurse may not even administer any urinary analysis before prescribing the appropriate antibiotics. While this may speed up the process, you do want to be sure to rule out more serious problems such as kidney stones if you've been experiencing severe pain.