AFC Eldridge UTI Testing & Treatment Near Me

AFC Eldridge Urgent Care offers treatment for all UTIs, including kidney and bladder infections. Visit our clinic 7 days a week for walk-in UTI Testing & Treatment.

UTI Diagnosis & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Eldridge

If you live out in the Eldridge area, you know how much of daily life revolves around staying on the go, whether that’s running errands, keeping up with kids’ activities, or squeezing in a workout before the day gets away from you. The last thing you need slowing you down is the burning, urgent, uncomfortable misery of a urinary tract infection. The good news is that AFC Urgent Care Eldridge is right here in your community, ready to get you tested, treated, and back to your routine.

Testing

When you visit AFC Urgent Care Eldridge for UTI testing and treatment, your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and test your urine with a urinalysis or urine culture to identify what type of bacteria is causing the infection. This allows our team to determine the most effective course of treatment for your specific situation.

Treatment

We typically prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria in your bladder or kidneys that are causing the infection. If you’re experiencing significant pain or burning while urinating, we may also prescribe additional medication to relieve that symptom. Please be aware that this pain relief medication may temporarily change the color of your urine to orange, which is completely normal.

Aftercare

It’s important to take all medications exactly as prescribed and to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before you’ve finished the prescription. Drinking plenty of fluids and following your provider’s specific instructions will support your recovery. If your symptoms persist or if you have any concerns after your visit, walk into AFC Urgent Care Eldridge any time Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Saturday–Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., no appointment needed.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The most common type of UTI is a lower urinary tract infection, typically presenting as a bladder infection.

Lower Tract Infections

A lower tract UTI affects the lower parts of the urinary system, specifically the bladder and urethra. It occurs when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urethra and migrate upward to the bladder. Lower tract UTIs are more frequently seen in women due to the shorter length of the female urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.

Upper Tract Infections

An upper tract UTI affects the kidneys and the ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Unlike lower tract infections that primarily involve the bladder and urethra, upper tract UTIs typically result from an infection that has spread upward from the lower urinary tract. This type of UTI is generally considered more serious due to the potential for more severe symptoms and a greater risk of complications.

Common UTI Symptoms

Urinary tract infections can produce a range of symptoms, some of which are shared between men and women, while others may present differently depending on the individual. Common UTI symptoms include:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sex

How Do You Get a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are significantly more common in women than in men, largely due to the shorter female urethra, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. It’s estimated that 40 to 60 percent of women will experience a UTI at some point in their lifetime, and 25 percent of those women will go on to have a repeat infection.

UTIs can develop from a variety of factors that affect both women and men. Sexual intercourse is one of the most common contributing causes, as bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra during sex. Poor hygiene habits, such as wiping from back to front after using the bathroom, can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Additionally, holding urine for extended periods or not fully emptying the bladder during urination can create conditions that encourage bacterial growth and increase UTI risk.

Risk Factors

UTIs can affect people of any age, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing one. Common risk factors include:

• Not urinating after sex
• Use of urinary catheters
• Menopause
• Weakened immune system
• Certain forms of birth control
• Family history of UTIs
• Urinary reflux into the kidneys
• Poor hygiene and toilet habits

Recurrent UTIs

While many people experience a UTI at least once, some individuals deal with infections that come back repeatedly. Several underlying factors can contribute to recurrent UTIs.

Reinfection

Some people are susceptible to reinfection by the same or a different strain of bacteria. Bacteria that cause UTIs can adhere to the lining of the urinary tract, and if they aren’t fully eliminated through treatment, they can multiply and trigger a new infection. Practicing consistent preventive habits is especially important for anyone prone to reinfection.

Incomplete Treatment

Stopping antibiotics before completing the full prescribed course, even when symptoms resolve early, can allow some bacteria to survive and cause the infection to return. It is essential to follow the complete treatment plan as directed by your healthcare provider.

Urinary Tract Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities within the urinary tract can make a person more vulnerable to recurrent infections. These may include urinary tract obstructions, urinary stones, or vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys.

Autoimmune Disorders

A compromised immune system reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections, including those affecting the urinary tract. Conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain immune-suppressing medications can all increase the risk of repeated UTIs.

Hormonal Changes

Shifts in hormone levels, particularly in women, can raise susceptibility to UTIs. This is frequently observed during pregnancy, menopause, and when using certain types of hormonal contraception.

Sexual Activity

Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, raising the risk of infection, particularly for women. Frequent sexual activity or the use of certain contraceptive methods may contribute to recurring UTIs.

Personal Hygiene

Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement can transfer bacteria toward the urethra, increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection. Consistent attention to proper hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.

Bladder Infection vs. Kidney Infection

Both bladder infections and kidney infections are types of urinary tract infections, but they occur in different areas of the urinary system and can present with different symptoms and levels of severity.

Kidney Infection

Symptoms

• All symptoms of a bladder infection
• High fever
• Back pain, typically on one side
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting

Risk Factors

• Female sex (more common in women)
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Use of urinary catheters
• Urinary tract blockage

Complications

Untreated kidney infections can result in serious kidney damage, the spread of infection into the bloodstream (sepsis), and long-term health complications.

UTI Prevention

If you’ve had a UTI before, you already know it’s something you’d rather never repeat. The encouraging news is that there are several practical steps you can take to significantly lower your risk of future infections.

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent UTIs. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes frequent urination, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before it has a chance to cause an infection. Adequate fluid intake is especially important during warmer months when the risk of dehydration is higher.

2. Proper Hygiene and Toilet Habits

Good hygiene habits play a significant role in UTI prevention. After swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean, change out of your wet bathing suit and shower promptly to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated in the genital area. Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom, particularly in public bathrooms, to prevent bacteria from being introduced into the urethra.

3. Clothing

Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton is a simple but meaningful way to reduce UTI risk. These fabrics allow for better airflow and help minimize moisture buildup in the genital area, making the environment less hospitable to bacterial growth.

4. Pee After Sex

Urinating shortly after sexual activity is one of the most effective and widely recommended steps for UTI prevention. Bacteria from the genital area can enter the urethra during intercourse, and if they reach the bladder, they can multiply and cause an infection. Urinating after sex helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra, and urine itself acts as a natural cleanser to help clear remaining bacteria.

5. Take Your Time and Completely Empty Your Bladder

Rushing through urination and not fully emptying your bladder can leave residual urine sitting in the bladder, creating a warm, stagnant environment where bacteria can thrive. Taking the time to urinate slowly and completely allows the bladder to contract more effectively, ensuring full release and reducing the conditions that allow bacteria to multiply.

6. Don’t Hold It!

Holding urine for long periods is one of the more common habits that can increase UTI risk. Urinating regularly throughout the day helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract, keeping the system clear and reducing the chance of infection taking hold.