Why You Should Always Seek Medical Attention for a Urinary Tract Infection

Approximately 60% of women and 12% of men will develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lifetime according to the American Urological Association. Because it’s so common, you may be tempted to let a UTI run its course without medical intervention. But is that wise?

The medical providers at MyDoc Urgent Care, located in Forest Hills and East Meadow, New York, explain how an untreated UTI can affect your health and the treatments they offer for this common but generally easy to cure infection.

Understanding urinary tract infections

Technically, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur in any part of your urinary system, which includes the:

• Kidneys – A pair of bean-shaped, fist-sized organs located just below the ribcage
• Ureters – A pair of tube-like structures that drain urine produced in the kidneys to the bladder
• Urinary bladder – A small muscular organ that holds urine for disposal
• Urethra – A hollow tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body

Most UTIs affect the urethra or bladder and are caused by bacteria entering from outside the body. Due to their anatomy, which includes a much shorter urethra, women are much more likely to develop a UTI than men.  

Symptoms associated with a UTI

The symptoms of a UTI affecting your urethra or bladder (cystitis) may vary in intensity and character but typically include:

• Persistent urge to urinate
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Burning with urination
• Cloudy urine
• Red, pink, or cola-colored urine
• Urine that smells foul or strong
• Frequent urination of small amounts

Note that these symptoms may also indicate other medical concerns such as pelvic organ prolapse in women and prostatic enlargement in men.

Common symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) include:

• Pain in the lower back or side (flank)
• High fever, often accompanied by shaking and chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Note that your discomfort and other symptoms may begin in the lower pelvic region and then spread into the kidney area as the infection advances.

Health complications associated with an untreated UTI

The most serious health complications associated with an untreated UTI typically occur when the infection spreads from the urethra or bladder to one or both kidneys.

This can allow infection-producing bacteria to enter your bloodstream and lead to a systemic infection (sepsis) that requires hospitalization and prompt treatment to prevent organ failure and death.

Other complications related to an untreated UTI include:

• Permanent kidney damage
• Recurrent infections
• Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men

Fortunately, most UTIs are easily treated with a round of antibiotics following a simple urine study to identify the type of bacterial infection you’re experiencing.

The walk-in services and same day doctor appointments available at MyDoc Urgent Care ensure that you don’t have to wait to experience relief from a UTI. We also provide helpful information that may help prevent future UTIs. 

Drop in to either of our locations, give us a call, or use our online service to schedule your visit.