You shouldn’t have to endure that burning sensation when you urinate, and you definitely shouldn’t have to wait days for relief. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have a way of striking at the most inconvenient times, turning simple daily activities into uncomfortable challenges that demand immediate attention.
At Complete Care, our emergency-trained medical team offers comprehensive diagnostic testing to quickly identify the type of infection you’re dealing with, followed by targeted treatment plans that get you feeling better as soon as possible. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll receive compassionate UTI treatment from professionals who prioritize both your comfort and your recovery.
Don’t let UTI pain ruin your week — or worse, develop into a more serious kidney infection. Visit any of our convenient freestanding ER locations for immediate relief and expert care. Our doors are open 24/7, because we know infections don’t follow a schedule, and neither should quality healthcare.
For life-threatening situations, please call 911.
Table of Contents:
- What is the main cause of a UTI?
- Common UTI symptoms
- Can I treat a UTI myself?
- When should you go to the ER over a UTI?
- What can the ER do for a UTI?
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) — FAQs
What is the main cause of a UTI?
Most UTIs happen when bacteria from your intestinal tract, particularly a type called E. coli, somehow make their way into your urinary system through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). Think of it like uninvited guests crashing a party — they’re not supposed to be there, and they’re definitely causing problems.
Common ways bacteria enter the urinary tract:
- Poor bathroom hygiene: Wiping from back to front can transfer bacteria from the anal area to the urethra
- Sexual activity: Physical contact can push bacteria toward the urethral opening
- Holding urine too long: When you don’t empty your bladder regularly, bacteria have more time to multiply
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water means less frequent urination to flush out bacteria
- Certain birth control methods: Diaphragms and spermicides can interfere with the normal bacterial balance
- Menopause: Hormonal changes can make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection
- Catheter use: Medical tubes provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter
- Immune system issues: Conditions like diabetes can make it harder for your body to fight off infections
While bacteria are the main culprits behind UTIs, understanding how they get there empowers you to take steps to prevent future infections. The good news is that UTIs are very treatable when caught early, and many of the risk factors are within your control through simple lifestyle changes and good hygiene practices.
Common symptoms of UTI
While everyone’s experience can be slightly different, most people with UTIs share similar uncomfortable symptoms that range from mildly annoying to downright miserable.
The most common UTI symptoms include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women
- Blood in urine
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Feeling tired or shaky
Signs the infection may be spreading to your kidneys:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Back or side pain
Don’t ignore these symptoms or hope they’ll go away on their own — this kind of infection typically gets worse without proper UTI treatment. If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially fever or back pain, it’s time to visit Complete Care for prompt, effective treatment.
Can I treat a UTI myself?
While it’s natural to want to try home remedies when you’re uncomfortable, the honest answer is that they might provide some temporary symptom relief, but they won’t eliminate the bacteria causing your UTI.
While drinking cranberry juice, increasing water intake, and taking probiotics will help your overall urinary health, they won’t treat the active bacterial infection. UTI treatment centers around targeting the source of the infection, not just alleviating symptoms.
In other words, UTIs are one of those conditions where “wait and see” can quickly turn into “wish I’d acted sooner.” Professional treatment from Complete Care with the right antibiotics will have you feeling better within days.
Continue reading: UTIs do’s and don’ts
When should you go to the ER over a UTI?
Most UTIs can wait for a regular doctor’s appointment or urgent care visit, but sometimes they demand immediate emergency attention. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- High fever (101°F or higher)
- Severe back, side, or urethral pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills or shaking
- Confusion or mental changes
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unable to urinate despite feeling the urge
- Rapid heart rate or difficulty breathing
- Signs of sepsis (feeling extremely ill, dizziness, or weakness)
You should also seek emergency care if:
- You’re pregnant and experiencing UTI symptoms
- You have diabetes and develop UTI symptoms with fever
- You have a compromised immune system
- Your symptoms are rapidly getting worse
Don’t second-guess yourself when it comes to these warning signs — trust your instincts if something feels seriously wrong. Freestanding emergency rooms are equipped to quickly diagnose kidney infections and other serious complications, providing IV antibiotics and other treatments that can’t wait for a scheduled appointment.
What can the ER do for a UTI?
Whether or not your UTI requires more than basic antibiotics, the emergency room is your best option for fast, effective treatment. Unlike urgent care centers or doctors’ offices, freestanding ERs like Complete Care can perform advanced diagnostic tests, provide IV treatments, and handle serious complications all in one location — and we are open 24/7 with minimal wait times for fast UTI treatment.
Complete Care’s freestanding emergency room UTI treatment includes:
- Rapid diagnostic testing: Urine cultures, blood tests, and imaging studies to identify the exact bacteria and check for complications
- IV antibiotics: Direct intravenous delivery of powerful antibiotics for faster, more effective treatment
- IV fluids: Hydration therapy to help flush bacteria from your system and support kidney function
- Pain management: Stronger pain relief options than over-the-counter medications
- Advanced imaging: CT scans or ultrasounds to check for kidney damage or other complications
- Blood work: Comprehensive testing to check for signs of sepsis or kidney function problems
- 24/7 availability: Treatment any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays
- Minimal wait times: Wait no more than 15 minutes to be seen
At Complete Care’s freestanding emergency rooms, you get all the advanced capabilities of a hospital ER with shorter wait times and more personalized attention. Don’t let a simple UTI turn into a serious kidney infection — our emergency care ensures you get the right treatment at the right time.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) — FAQs
Why did I get a UTI out of nowhere?
Common causes include holding your urine too long, becoming dehydrated, changes in your routine (like traveling), sexual activity, or even something as simple as wearing tight clothing that traps moisture. Sometimes, hormonal changes, stress on your immune system, or using certain personal care products can make you more susceptible to bacterial infections.
What is the fastest way to cure a UTI?
The fastest way to cure a UTI is to get prescription antibiotics from a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Most people start feeling instant UTI relief within 24-48 hours of starting the right antibiotic treatment.
While you’re waiting for the antibiotics to work, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms, but only prescription medication will actually eliminate the bacterial infection.
How quickly can a UTI turn into sepsis?
A UTI can potentially progress to sepsis within days if left untreated, especially if the infection spreads to your kidneys first. However, this progression isn’t inevitable — most UTIs respond well to treatment when caught early. If you develop fever, chills, nausea, back pain, or feel extremely unwell, these could be signs that the infection is spreading and requires immediate emergency care.
Skip the wait — visit Complete Care today for prompt UTI treatment!
When you’re dealing with UTI pain, you need expert UTI treatment that works fast and effectively. At Complete Care, our experienced medical professionals will determine the best antibiotic for UTI in females and males based on your specific symptoms and medical history, ensuring you get targeted treatment that eliminates your infection quickly.
With convenient locations throughout Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, quality emergency UTI care is never far away. Don’t spend another moment in discomfort — visit your nearest Complete Care location today for the prompt, professional treatment you deserve.
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