If it burns when you urinate, or you have to urinate more frequently than usual, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Getting the right treatment quickly can help clear up your infection, stop the symptoms, and prevent further complications. Jay Lao, NP, at A+ Total Care in Elko, Nevada, is a health care specialist who can treat your UTI. Call today or schedule an appointment using the online booking button. Walk-ins are also welcome.

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What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that affects your urinary system, which includes your bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs than men. UTIs are categorized depending on the part of your urinary system that is affected. UTIs include:

  • Acute pyelonephritis: infection in your kidneys
  • Cystitis: infection in your bladder
  • Urethritis: infection in your urethra

UTIs can be painful and annoying, but with the right treatment, they can clear up quickly.

What are UTI symptoms?

You may not always experience symptoms when you have a UTI, which can delay a diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Frequent urination
  • Urge to urinate, but unable to go
  • Cloudy or strong smelling urine
  • Pink or blood-tinged urine
  • Pelvic pain
  • Fever, nausea, or vomiting

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Mr. Lao and his team at A+ Total Care can check your urine for an infection and get you the treatment you need quickly. Delaying treatment may allow the infection to spread and lead to kidney damage.

What causes UTIs?

UTIs are caused by a bacteria that enters your urinary system through your urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs because they have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach their bladder and multiply.

Women are also more at risk of developing UTIs if they’re sexually active, going through menopause, or using a catheter. Using certain types of birth control, including diaphragms and spermicide, may also increase a woman’s risk of developing a UTI.

How are UTIs treated?

Your health care practitioner at A+ Total Care can treat your UTI with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic prescribed to you will depend on the extent of your infection. It’s important to take your medication as prescribed to completely clear up your UTI and prevent a recurrence.

Your health care practitioner will also recommend that you drink plenty of fluids during treatment to help flush out the infection. However, you may want to avoid drinks that are known to irritate the bladder, such as coffee, orange juice, or alcohol, to reduce discomfort as your urinary tract recovers.

For medical management of your UTI, book an appointment online or over the phone with A+ Total Care or walk right in.