Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be painful, irritating, and even dangerous if the infection spreads. The providers at Capital Women's Care Howard County located in Fulton, Maryland, offer same-day appointments to treat UTIs quickly. If you have a UTI and need prompt treatment, contact us.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that can occur in any part of your urinary tract. Bladder infections are the most common UTIs, but infections can also develop in your urethra or kidneys. If left untreated, an infection in your bladder may spread to your kidneys, which can lead to serious health problems.

With fast, same-day treatment at Capital Women’s Care, your UTI should go away without any further complications.

What are symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs don’t always cause symptoms, but those that do may include:

  • A strong urge to urinate

  • A burning sensation while urinating

  • Frequent urination

  • Cloudy or discolored urine

  • Urine with a strong odor

  • Pelvic pain

Who gets UTIs?

Bladder infections are extremely common, especially in women. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, at least 40-60% of women have at least one UTI in their lifetime. This may be because women have a shorter urethra than men, meaning the bacteria don’t have to travel as far to reach the bladder.

Certain factors may increase your risk of getting a UTI, such as:

  • Being sexually active

  • Having gone through menopause

  • Using certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicide

  • Having diabetes

  • Having had a UTI in the past

How do you prevent a UTI?

Changing certain lifestyle habits may help decrease your risk of getting UTIs in the future. Lifestyle changes that may prevent repeat UTIs include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water

  • Urinating shortly after you have sex

  • Wiping from front to back after a bowel movement

  • Wearing cotton underwear

  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing

  • Switching birth control methods

How do you diagnose and treat a UTI?

First, your provider at Capital Women’s Care performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. If they suspect you have a UTI, your provider may request a urine test to confirm diagnosis.

If the test is positive, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing your infection. They also discuss things you can do to speed recovery at home, such as drinking lots of fluids.

If you think you have a UTI, don’t hesitate to call Capital Women’s Care for same-day treatment.