Treating Urinary Tract Infections at Garnet Health
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely common, affecting more than 3 million Americans per year, and typically occur more frequently in women. As such, many women know the telltale signs of a UTI — especially if they’ve experienced them in the past.
While not all urinary tract infections are severe, they can be painful and require medical attention. You can quickly receive a diagnosis, treatment and necessary prescriptions at Garnet Health, conveniently located in Orange and Sullivan counties.
Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Symptoms
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary from person to person, and sometimes a UTI won’t have any symptoms. However, common symptoms associated with a UTI include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- 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, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Causes
Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplies in the bladder. Sometimes, there may not be one direct cause, but risk factors that can increase your chance of developing a UTI are:
- Female anatomy - A woman naturally has a shorter urethra than a man does, which shortens the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.
- Sexual activity - Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than those who aren't sexually active. Having a new sexual partner also increases your risk.
- Certain types of birth control - Women who use diaphragms or spermicidal agents for birth control may be at higher risk.
- Menopause - After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that make you more vulnerable to infection.
Treatment
If you suspect you are experiencing a urinary tract infection, seek diagnosis and treatment at Garnet Health. As part of our urgent-care services, we’ll promptly address your concerns and perform tests, including a urinalysis. Most UTIs can easily be treated with prescribed antibiotics, which are taken at home and usually resolve the infection in a few days.
Garnet Health’s urgent care services in Middletown, Goshen and Monticello, NY, include attentive and efficient treatment for urinary tract infections.
