UTI Specialist

Cermak Immediate Care

Immediate Care & Primary Care Practice located in Cicero, IL, Roseland, IL, Little Village, IL, and North Lawndale, IL

Urinary tract infections, UTIs, are common and can also be incredibly painful. For men and women in and around Cicero and Roseland in Chicago, Illinois, relief is available at Cermak Immediate Care under the guidance of Dr. Ruchir Thakkar. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you’ll be rid of uncomfortable symptoms. Stop by today or schedule an appointment using the Cermak Immediate Care online appointment tool and get back to feeling well.

UTI Q & A

What is a urinary tract infection?

Your urinary system consists of your urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a bacterial infection and usually occurs in your bladder or urethra.

Some men and women get UTIs frequently, while others may only experience one or two infections over the course of their lifetime. Left untreated, a UTI can intensify and spread to other parts of your urinary system.

How do I know if I have a UTI?

The most common sign of a urinary tract infection is a painful or burning sensation during urination. Other symptoms include:

Persistent, urgent need to urinate
Frequent urination with only small volumes of urine
Cloudy or unusually colored urine
Abnormally strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain (in women)

If you notice changes in your urinary function, come in for a full diagnostic exam.

What causes urinary tract infections?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that are normally found throughout your large intestine. That bacteria can exit your body through your anus, and can easily be transferred to your urethra, where it creates an infection.

Sexual activity is one common way that bacteria is introduced into your urinary system. The best way to avoid an infection is to thoroughly clean your genital region after sex, and urinate as soon as possible to clear bacteria from your urethra.

Women are at an elevated risk for UTIs due to anatomy, and this affords bacteria a greater chance of causing infection. One way to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria is to always wipe from front to back. Women can also reduce their risk by using the restroom whenever needed and avoiding feminine hygiene products that can create irritation.

How are urinary tract infections treated?

If your provider determines you have a urinary tract infection, antibiotics can help. There are several types of medications to choose from, including:

Fosfomycin
Ceftriaxone
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Cephalexin
Nitrofurantoin

Some medications are better suited for simple UTIs, while others can address more complicated infections.

At Cermak Immediate Care, patient education is an important part of all medical services. If you come in for UTI treatment, you’ll also receive advice on how to prevent future infections.

Take advantage of educational handouts, and discuss your specific concerns with your provider during your visit. Don’t live with the discomfort of a urinary tract infection when help is readily available.

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