UTI

UTI services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL

At least 60% of women experience urinary tract infections (UTIs). But you might not know that UTIs are also one of the most common bacterial infections in children. At every age, the caring Cermak Immediate Care team offers exceptional treatment that eliminates the bacteria and stops the infection from traveling through the urinary tract. Receive immediate care by walking into their offices in Cicero and the neighborhood of Marshall Square in Chicago, Illinois. You can also call the nearest office or go online to book an appointment.

What causes a UTI?

UTIs develop when bacteria (naturally living on your skin) enter the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).

Though anyone of any age can get a UTI, the infection most often affects women. The opening to a woman’s urethra is closer to the anus. As a result, it’s easier for bacteria to get into the urinary tract.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

A UTI causes the following symptoms:

Frequent need to urinate
Strong urge to urinate (even if there’s little urine in the bladder)
Urine leakage
Strong-smelling urine
Pink or dark-colored urine (due to blood)
Lower abdominal pain and pressure

UTIs can stay in the urethra, move into the bladder, and, in severe cases, infect the kidneys. A kidney infection causes a fever, chills, nausea, and middle or upper back pain.

What are recurrent and complicated UTIs?

Recurrent and complicated UTIs need specialized treatment because they’re harder to treat. A UTI in men is automatically complicated. You could also have a complicated UTI when the infection:

Develops during pregnancy
Develops in a person with kidney disease
Is caused by a weak immune system
Is caused by physical conditions like kidney stones

You have recurrent UTIs if you have two or more infections in six months or three in one year. Many women have recurrent UTIs, increasing their risk of bladder problems. In pregnant women, recurrent UTIs can lead to problems like low birth weight or early delivery.

How is a UTI treated?

Your Cermak Immediate Care provider treats your UTI with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and dose depends on whether you have a simple, recurrent, or complicated UTI. You’ll also need treatment for an underlying condition causing a complicated infection.

Your provider might prescribe low-dose antibiotics for an extended time if you have recurrent UTIs. Or, you could need a single dose to take after sexual intercourse (if your UTIs tend to develop after sex).

Drinking extra fluids helps flush out bacteria before they cause an infection. Cranberry juice seems to help prevent UTIs. Cranberries have ingredients that prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder. However, you must choose beverages with at least 27% pure cranberry juice.

When UTI symptoms develop, seek medical care right away. Walk into the nearest Cermak Immediate Care clinic, call to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.