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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, consisting of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most urinary tract infections involve the bladder and the urethra and women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Infection limited to the bladder can be painful and annoying, but serious complications can occur if a UTI spreads to the kidneys. Antibiotics are the primary course of treatment for a UTI.

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women
• Rectal pain, in men

Types of urinary tract infection

Each type of UTI may result in more specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected. Below is a general list of the types of urinary tract infections with their assiciated signs and symptoms.

Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis)

• Upper back and side (flank) pain
• High fever
• Shaking and chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Bladder (cystitis)

• Pelvic pressure
• Lower abdomen discomfort
• Frequent, painful urination
• Blood in urine

Urethra (urethritis)

• Burning with urination

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of a UTI.

Medfast Urgent Care Centers offer fast, professional medical treatment for urinary tract infections. Our average wait time to see patients is less than an hour, compared to Hospital Emergency Rooms, which can sometimes take longer than three to four hours and are much more expensive. We are professionally staffed with highly-skilled, licensed doctors and nurses, and fully equipped to handle testing and treatment for urinary tract infections.