How to Recognize and Treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections treated in healthcare. They can affect people of any age, and while they’re especially common in women, anyone can experience one. Because UTIs can range from mild discomfort to more serious infections, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. 

Covenant Health’s network of primary care providers, urgent care clinics, women’s health specialists and urologists work together to diagnose, treat and prevent UTIs with a coordinated, patient‑centered approach. 

What is a UTI? 

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system, most often through the bladder. Common symptoms include: 

• A burning sensation when urinating 
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate 
• Cloudy or strong‑smelling urine 
• Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort 
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty 

In some cases, symptoms can progress to fever, back pain or nausea, which may indicate a kidney infection and require prompt medical attention. 

Wilfredo Herrera, MD, a Covenant Health OB/GYN, explains it simply: “A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder that causes irritation and inflammation. They’re very common, around 40 to 50 percent of women will have at least one in their lifetime. — They’re generally easy to treat with antibiotics.” 

UTI Symptom Patterns by Group 

Dr. Herrera notes that symptoms can be especially different in older adults: “Some women may not have the classic symptoms. They may present with incontinence or even be asymptomatic until more serious symptoms, like fever or back pain, appear.” 

These variations are one reason it’s important to reach out to a provider when something feels off, even if symptoms don’t match what you expect. 

Where to Start: Primary Care 

Primary care providers are often the first stop for UTI symptoms. They can: 

• Evaluate symptoms and medical history 
• Perform urine testing 
• Prescribe antibiotics when needed 
• Discuss prevention strategies 
• Identify when a referral to a specialist may be helpful 

Primary care is ideal for patients who experience occasional UTIs or want to discuss long‑term prevention as part of their overall health plan. 

When Urgent Care is the Right Choice 

Urgent care clinics are a convenient option when symptoms appear suddenly or outside regular office hours. They can: 

• Provide same‑day evaluation 
• Perform rapid urine testing 
• Start treatment quickly 
• Rule out more serious infections 

Urgent care is especially helpful for patients who need fast relief or cannot get a same‑day appointment with their primary care provider. 

Women’s Health and Recurrent UTIs 

Women are more likely to experience UTIs due to anatomical differences, hormonal changes, pregnancy and life stage transitions. Dr. Herrera explains: “The female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. After menopause, low estrogen levels can also increase risk by changing vaginal pH, reducing protective bacteria, and affecting the tissue itself.” 

Women’s health providers can: 

• Evaluate recurrent infections 
• Address hormonal or anatomical factors 
• Provide pregnancy‑safe treatment options 
• Offer guidance on prevention during menopause, postpartum or other life phases 

For patients with pelvic floor or gynecologic concerns, Dr. Herrera emphasizes a comprehensive approach: “Evaluation should include assessment for pelvic organ prolapse, urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, and pelvic floor dysfunction.” 

When to See a Urologist 

Urologists specialize in the urinary system and can help when UTIs are persistent, complicated or linked to underlying conditions. A referral to urology may be recommended if you experience: 

• Frequent UTIs (three or more per year) 
• UTIs that don’t improve with standard treatment 
• Kidney infections 
• Blood in the urine 
• Concerns about bladder function or urinary retention 

Urologists can perform additional testing, such as imaging or cystoscopy, to understand why infections keep happening and create a long‑term management plan. 

How Covenant Health Coordinates Your Care 

Because UTIs can involve multiple factors including general health, anatomy, hormones, hydration and sexual health—Covenant Health’s connected network makes it easy to get the right level of care at the right time. 

Across our system, patients benefit from: 

• Primary care for prevention and routine treatment 

• Urgent care for fast relief when symptoms start 

• Women’s health specialists for life‑stage‑specific support 

• Urologists for advanced evaluation and recurrent infections 

No matter where you begin, our teams communicate and collaborate to ensure you receive seamless, personalized care. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience: 

• Burning or pain with urination 
• Frequent or urgent urination 
• Blood in the urine 
• Fever, chills, or back pain 
• Symptoms that return shortly after treatment 
• Symptoms during pregnancy 

Pregnant patients should be especially cautious. Dr. Herrera explains: “Pregnancy increases the risk of UTIs due to physiologic changes. Untreated infections can lead to kidney infection, preterm birth, or maternal complications. The good news is that several antibiotic regimens are safe in pregnancy.” 

Early treatment helps prevent complications and provides faster relief. 

Your Next Step 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI or you’ve had multiple infections, Covenant Health is here to help. Whether you start with primary care, urgent care, women’s health or urology, our providers will guide you toward the right treatment and long‑term prevention strategies. 

Dr. Herrera offers reassurance to anyone feeling discouraged: “Recurrent infections are common and usually don’t mean something is seriously wrong. There are concrete, evidence based steps to reduce recurrences, and your concerns deserve attention.” 

Call your Covenant Health provider today to schedule an appointment or find expert women’s health, primary care, urgent care or urology services close to home. Our teams are here to help you feel better and stay well.