UTI Symptoms: When to Treat at Home, When to Get Care, and When It May Be an Emergency

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections, often called UTIs, are common - especially in women - but they should not be ignored. A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. The infection most often involves the bladder, but it can sometimes spread to the kidneys if not treated appropriately.

Common UTI Symptoms

A UTI may cause:

• Burning, pain, or discomfort when urinating

• Urinating more often than usual

• Feeling an urgent need to urinate

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure

• Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine

• Feeling like the bladder is not fully empty

Some people may have mild symptoms at first, while others feel uncomfortable very quickly. If symptoms are new, worsening, or concerning, it is best to seek medical care. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have UTI symptoms or any symptom that is severe or concerning.

When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER

Go to urgent care or the emergency room if you have:

• Fever with back or flank pain

• Vomiting and cannot keep fluids down

• Confusion, weakness, fainting, or feeling severely ill

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain

• Pregnancy with UTI symptoms and fever or pain

• Signs of dehydration

• Concern for kidney infection or sepsis

A kidney infection can become serious and usually needs prompt medical treatment.

Can Telehealth Help With a UTI?

Yes, many simple UTI symptoms can be evaluated through telehealth when appropriate. During a virtual visit, your provider may ask about:

• Your urinary symptoms

• Fever, back pain, or pelvic pain

• Pregnancy possibility

• Allergies and medication history

• Prior UTIs and prior antibiotic use

• Kidney disease or other medical conditions

• Whether urine testing is needed

If appropriate, treatment may include medication, urine testing, home care guidance, and instructions on when to seek in-person care.

Telehealth may not be appropriate if symptoms suggest a kidney infection, severe illness, pregnancy complications, significant abdominal pain, or another condition that needs an in-person exam.

How to Help Prevent UTIs

You may be able to lower your risk of UTIs by:

• Drinking enough water

• Urinating when you feel the urge instead of holding it

• Urinating after sexual activity

• Wiping front to back

• Avoiding douches, scented sprays, and irritating feminine products

• Taking showers instead of baths if UTIs are frequent

• Discussing recurrent UTIs with a healthcare provider

Tips include staying well hydrated, urinating after sexual activity, avoiding douching or sprays, and wiping front to back.

The Bottom Line

UTIs are common, but they can become more serious if untreated. Burning with urination, urgency, frequency, pelvic pressure, or cloudy urine may be signs of a UTI. If symptoms are mild and uncomplicated, telehealth may be a convenient way to be evaluated. If you have fever, back pain, vomiting, pregnancy, severe pain, or feel very ill, seek urgent in-person care.

At Your Best Life Medical eClinic, we provide convenient telehealth visits for adults in Virginia when symptoms are appropriate for virtual care.

Need help with possible UTI symptoms? Schedule a telehealth visit today.

Click Link to Schedule an Appointment

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.