Over 8 million doctor’s visits each year are to treat the symptoms of a UTI, or urinary tract infection. This common condition causes pain and discomfort in a sensitive area of the body, and complications can lead to severe consequences for your kidneys. 

Asrar Sheikh, MD, and Teofilo Vinluan, MD lead the medical professionals at Family Urgent Care, providing a variety of primary care services to anyone who resides in or around Chicago. A UTI has distinctive symptoms, but not everyone will realize they have a UTI until they see their provider for testing. 

What to know about UTIs

The urinary tract isn’t limited to the body parts that may immediately come to mind. Your urinary tract starts at your kidneys, which filter wastewater from your system. The waste flows through vessels called ureters into your bladder, where it is expelled through the urethra. An infection anywhere on the wastewater’s path out of the body constitutes a urinary tract infection. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra. The trapped bacteria causes the urinary tract to become inflamed. Typical symptoms of a UTI include: 

  • Frequent urges to urinate
  • Strong or foul-smelling urine
  • Bloody or painful urine
  • Pain in your pelvic area, sides, or abdomen
  • Incontinence
  • Penis pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever 
  • Vomiting

UTIs can also cause pain during sex and may be mistaken for a sexually transmitted infection. Women are at elevated risk of developing UTIs, in part because the female urethra is short, relative to the male urethra, and located more closely to the anus, a well for bacteria. 

Though women are most likely to develop a UTI, any person can experience a UTI. Other risk factors for UTIs include: 

  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Sexual activity
  • Poor hygiene
  • Use of spermicide
  • Age 
  • Previous urinary tract issues
  • Previous UTI

Having risk factors for a UTI doesn’t guarantee that you will experience a UTI, but having risk factors is enough for you to consult your provider at Family Urgent Care, who can provide you with guidance and preventative measures to stop a UTI before it happens. 

Understanding the 3 types of UTIs

If you’re exhibiting any symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to contact your provider at Family Urgent Care as soon as possible. The only way to confirm what could be wrong with you is through testing. The three types of UTIs include: 

Cystitis

The majority of UTIs are cystitis, making it the most common type of UTI. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, with E. Coli as the chief cause. Cystitis manifests in painful, bloody urine and pelvic pressure.

Urethritis

Urethritis, as the name insinuates, is an infection of the urethra. The most common symptoms include discharge and painful, burning urination. 

Pyelonephritis

This kidney infection is usually the result of an infection of the bladder or the urethra left untreated. Back pain, nausea, chills, and fever can indicate this condition, but further procrastinating treatment puts you at risk for permanent kidney damage, or sepsis, the point where the infection enters your bloodstream.

What to do if you have a UTI

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, your first priority is to contact your provider at Family Urgent Care for an appointment. Testing is best done with your provider, who can not only identify what type of UTI you have but immediately provide the necessary prescription for what you need to make a full recovery.

Don’t ignore the symptoms of any condition. Call any of our offices, or book online with us today.

Good News for the residents of Logan Square, Chicago...

Hurairah
1739326566
I had an excellent experience at Family Urgent Care. The staff took great care of me and were incredibly friendly and professional. They knew exactly what they were doing every step of the way, making me feel comfortable throughout the procedure. The aftercare was also top-notch. A special shoutout to the team for their kindness and expertise. Highly recommend!
Noah F. W.
1737484685
They were outstanding. Check in was easy and quick despite being a new patient, and the care was superb. Found them in an emergency situation and they were above and beyond any provider I have found in an immediate care situation. Not too long of a wait despite being a walk in, patient & kind staff, good communication, excellent medical skills, thorough care. I will never go anywhere else for urgent care again.
Kailee C.
1737136130
Fast, friendly, and makes you feel comfortable!
victor G.
1737135751
Quick and easy
David H.
1736980229
Very fast very helpfulGreat urgent care service
Michael T.
1736692224
Care was fast, and the entire medical team was very informative and very good with my 4 year old brother
Martina M.
1736627401
very helpful and friendly office
Hussain S.
1736530230
Maya is best medical assistantShe know what she is doingShe is very polite and professional
Ewa S.
1736376709
Saad was very kind and amazing!!!!!
Roman
1736370647
Sper!
Ibrahim A.
1736119601
The service was great. The process was quick and Saad was very friendly and professional. The doctor was also helpful and answered any questions I had.
haroon K.
1736116761
Treated very good this time.Thank you for the service
Tierra B.
1735938986
One of the only urgent cares I go to . I have been going here for 3 years now they take care of all my needs including monitoring my thyroid. They do it all and great customer service 😊
Andy S.
1734795594
So nice easy and clean. Thank you
Tiffany L.
1734794342
They’re always super quick and helpful. Doctors keep patients well informed and this is my go to spot!
Heather H.
1734479911
I was able to schedule a same day appointment, was seen on time, everyone was friendly and I didn’t even feel my blood draw!
Jamine D.
1734281220
I’ve consistently had a great experience at this clinic. It’s easy to get in, little wait, and they always address concerns.
Primo P
1734103498
Very best staff. I liked the way i was attended too by farina
Vanell W.
1733847331
My spirits was very wonderful.The people was nice and kind.I enjoyed it.I will come again
Chase L.
1733691371
The office is great . Very polite and accommodating . They also accept state insurance . No long wait time . I definitely recommend.
Jasmin B.
1733689368
I can hear with rib pain and was taken care of quickly. The guys in the front were quick and helped set up really fast. Dr. Lena Farah was great in explaining everything the pain could be from as well as what it could NOT be from which really helped assure me. She was super comprehensive as to what every symptom I could have was from. She was very educated and very nice when discussing what I came there for.
Princess T.
1732724168
Very helpful and nice
Kathy J.
1732656110
Very quick visit! Everyone was very polite and efficient. Thank you!
afreen S.
1732511879
This place was stunning! The staffs and doctors were presenting really friendly and kindly. And I loved how well-maintained and clean everything was!...
afrah I.
1732233352
I really love the hospitality in this urgent careFor ladies I recommend dr Lena farahShe is awesome very friendly down to earth person!Thank you once again
aidan S.
1732227279
I *love* the folks at this Rogers park location!! Over the past couple of years I've visited them for a wide range of things and each time I walk away feeling listened to, cared for and generally impressed.
Dionysius!
1731805075
Very attentive staff, made it in and out with my prescription. Thanks guys!
stephanie K.
1731804675
Amazing, fast and helped me.
David B.
1731626511
Efficient and pleasant service
×
js_loader