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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

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Primary Care in Astoria

Fast, Compassionate UTI Care at MediDental Care in Astoria

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause intense discomfort, disrupt your daily life, and lead to serious complications if left untreated. At MediDental Care, we provide quick and confidential evaluation, accurate testing, and fast-acting treatment for UTIs. As a trusted provider of primary care in Astoria, we’re committed to helping you feel better quickly and preventing future infections. We are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care for urinary tract infections, including thorough diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention strategies to support your overall well-being.

Whether it’s your first UTI or you suffer from recurrent infections, our compassionate team is here to support your recovery and long-term urinary health.

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What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs anywhere along the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Most UTIs are lower urinary tract infections, affecting the bladder and urethra. Acute uncomplicated cystitis, also known as acute cystitis, is a common form of bladder infection, especially in healthy women. Most UTIs are bacterial urinary tract infections caused by bacteria, with uncomplicated urinary tract infection referring to cases without structural abnormalities or comorbidities. More serious infections that reach the kidneys or involve risk factors are considered complicated UTIs.

Types of UTIs:

  • Cystitis – Infection of the bladder (most common). This includes acute cystitis, which is a sudden onset bladder infection with symptoms like dysuria, urgency, and frequency, and acute uncomplicated cystitis, a common, self-limited form typically managed with targeted antibiotics.
  • Urethritis – Infection of the urethra
  • Pyelonephritis – Kidney infection (more serious; considered a type of complicated UTI)
  • UTIs associated with structural abnormalities or higher risk factors are also classified as complicated UTIs.

Women are more prone to UTIs due to shorter urethras, but men, children, and older adults can also be affected.

Tract Infections and the Urinary System: How UTIs Affect Your Body

Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections, impacting millions of people each year. The urinary system—which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—plays a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the body. When bacteria enter the urinary tract, they can disrupt this system, leading to tract infections that cause discomfort and, if untreated, may result in more serious health issues.

UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, but most often involve the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder and urethra. When bacteria multiply in these areas, they trigger inflammation and symptoms like pain, urgency, and changes in urine appearance. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can become more severe and require urgent medical attention. Recognizing the signs of urinary tract infections and seeking timely care is essential to protect your urinary health and prevent complications.

Common UTI Symptoms

Common symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) can vary by age, gender, and infection location.

The following symptoms are classic for UTIs:

3.1 Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis)

  • Dysuria (painful urination)
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Urgency
  • Suprapubic pain
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)

The following symptoms are typical for upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis):

3.2 Upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis)

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Flank pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Costovertebral angle tenderness

In some cases, especially in certain populations, dark or foul-smelling urine may be the only symptom, particularly if dehydration is present.

Lower UTI Symptoms (Bladder/Urethra):

  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Frequent urge to urinate, even if little comes out
  • Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain
  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

Upper UTI Symptoms (Kidneys):

  • High fever or chills
  • Pain in your side or back (flank pain)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or confusion (especially in older adults)

High fever, chills, and malaise are considered systemic signs. The presence of these systemic signs may indicate a more serious infection, such as pyelonephritis, and require prompt medical attention.

When to See a Doctor for a UTI

You should contact your Astoria primary care provider if you:

  • Experience persistent or worsening symptoms
  • Notice blood in your urine
  • Are pregnant and develop any UTI symptoms
  • Have a fever, chills, or back pain
  • Have recurring UTIs or risk factors like diabetes

Early treatment helps avoid complications such as kidney infections or urosepsis.

In cases of severe symptoms or complications, an emergency department diagnosis may be necessary to ensure prompt and effective treatment.

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Step-by-Step UTI Care Plan

1. Initial Consultation & Symptom Review

When you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection—such as painful urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine—it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider promptly. During your initial consultation, your provider will carefully review your symptoms and medical history to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. They may ask about your sexual activity, birth control methods, and any family history of urinary tract issues, as these factors can increase your risk for UTIs. For example, certain forms of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicides, are known risk factors for urinary tract infections. By understanding your unique risk profile, your provider can tailor their approach to your care and help you find relief quickly.

2. On-Site Diagnostic Testing

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment of urinary tract infections. At your visit, your healthcare provider may perform on-site diagnostic tests such as a urinalysis or a urine culture. A urinalysis checks for the presence of white blood cells, which can indicate infection, as well as other markers like blood or nitrites. A urine culture goes a step further by identifying the specific bacteria causing your symptoms, ensuring that the right antibiotic is chosen for your treatment. In some cases, additional imaging tests may be recommended to rule out other causes or complications, especially if symptoms are severe or recurrent. These diagnostic tools help your provider deliver precise, effective care for your urinary tract infection.

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

Once a urinary tract infection is confirmed, your healthcare provider will create a personalized treatment plan designed to clear the infection and ease your symptoms. Most UTIs are treated with antibiotic therapy, carefully selected based on the type of bacteria found in your urine culture and your medical history. Your provider may also recommend preventive strategies to help avoid recurrent UTIs, such as staying well-hydrated, urinating regularly, and practicing good hygiene. Some patients find that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs by making it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder wall. By following your provider’s guidance, you can recover quickly and reduce your risk of future infections.

4. Follow-Up & Prevention

After completing your treatment, follow-up care is essential to ensure the infection is fully resolved and to discuss ways to prevent future urinary tract infections. Your provider may suggest periodic urine cultures or urinalyses, especially if you have a history of recurrent infections. Preventive advice may include avoiding certain types of birth control that increase UTI risk, maintaining good personal hygiene, and drinking plenty of fluids. Healthcare providers play a key role in educating patients about UTI symptoms, risk factors, and effective prevention strategies. By staying proactive and informed, you can help prevent UTIs and protect your urinary health for the long term.

Causes and Risk Factors for UTIs

Common Risk Factors:

  • Female anatomy (shorter urethra)
  • Sexual intercourse (especially with new partners)
  • Use of spermicides or diaphragms
  • Postmenopausal women
  • Pregnant women
  • Urinary retention or incomplete emptying
  • Diabetes or immune suppression
  • Urinary catheter

Understanding your personal risk helps guide prevention.

How to Prevent UTIs

To prevent urinary tract infections, it is important to focus on effective preventive measures—especially if you suffer from frequent infections.

For those with frequent recurrences, prophylactic antibiotics may also be considered as part of a long-term prevention plan.

Tips to Reduce UTI Risk:

  • Drink plenty of water daily (8+ glasses)
  • Wipe front to back after using the restroom
  • Urinate after sexual activity
  • Avoid holding urine for long periods
  • Avoid irritating feminine hygiene sprays or douches
  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes
  • Consider probiotics or cranberry supplements (ask your provider first)

UTIs in Special Populations

UTIs in Men:

  • Less common but more likely to be complicated
  • Often linked to prostate issues or urinary blockages
  • Chronic prostatitis can be a complication or risk factor for UTIs in men

UTIs in Children:

  • Pediatric urinary tract infections may present with fever, irritability, or bedwetting.
  • Important to evaluate promptly for possible kidney involvement.

UTIs in Older Adults:

  • Symptoms may include confusion or falls rather than classic signs
  • Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in older adults and usually does not require treatment unless specific criteria are met, such as pregnancy or before certain urological procedures.
  • Regular screenings may be needed for those in assisted living

Why Choose MediDental Care for UTI Treatment in Astoria?

  • Same-day care for painful or urgent UTI symptoms
  • Fast, on-site urine testing with accurate diagnosis
  • Discreet, compassionate treatment for all ages
  • Education and support for recurrent UTI prevention
  • Trusted local provider of primary care in Astoria

Whether you need fast symptom relief or help with chronic UTI management, we’re here to support your urinary health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I treat a UTI at home?

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While drinking fluids and using heat may relieve symptoms, antibiotics are required to fully treat most bacterial UTIs. See your provider for proper care.

How long does it take for antibiotics to work?

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Most patients feel relief within 24–48 hours. It’s important to complete the full antibiotic course to prevent recurrence.

Are UTIs contagious?

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No, UTIs are not directly contagious. However, certain sexual practices can increase your risk. While UTIs themselves are not contagious, some sexually transmitted infections (such as herpes simplex or pelvic inflammatory disease) can cause similar urinary symptoms and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Can cranberry juice prevent UTIs?

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Cranberry products may be used as a preventive measure to help some people prevent UTIs, but results vary. Talk to your provider before using supplements.

What happens if a UTI is left untreated?

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Untreated UTIs can lead to serious kidney infections or spread to the bloodstream (sepsis), which can be life-threatening. Additionally, complications such as infection stones or struvite kidney stones may develop, often caused by urea splitting organisms like Proteus, Klebsiella, or Ureaplasma urealyticum.

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