Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, the urethra, and the kidneys. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract and happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. UTIs are very common, and women get them more often than men because the urethra is shorter and sits closer to the rectum. Avita MD primary care providers diagnose and treat urinary tract infections for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

A bladder infection usually causes discomfort when you urinate and a frequent need to go. Symptoms can come on quickly over a day or two.

• Pain or burning when you urinate
• A frequent or strong urge to urinate, even when little comes out
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
• Pressure, cramping, or pain in the lower abdomen
• Fever, chills, nausea, or back or side pain, which can mean a kidney infection

Bladder infection vs. when it is urgent

Lower UTI (bladder)	Signs that need prompt care
Burning with urination	Fever and chills
Frequent, urgent urination	Back, side, or flank pain
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine	Nausea or vomiting
Lower belly pressure	Symptoms during pregnancy

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat a urinary tract infection?

Diagnosis usually starts with your symptoms and a urinalysis, a quick test of a urine sample. Because Avita MD has on-site labs at every location, many patients are tested and have a treatment plan during the same visit. When needed, a urine culture identifies the exact bacteria so the antibiotic can be matched to it.

Most UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics, and symptoms often ease within a few days. Same-day and next-day appointments mean you can be seen quickly when a UTI starts, which matters because untreated infections can spread to the kidneys. Avita MD tracks your history over time, and for patients with frequent or recurrent UTIs, your provider looks for underlying causes and coordinates referrals to urology or gynecology when that next step is warranted.

When should you see a doctor about a urinary tract infection?

See a primary care provider if you have burning with urination, a frequent urge to go, or other UTI symptoms, since a simple test confirms the diagnosis and treatment works best when started early. Seek prompt care if you develop a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in your back or side, because these can signal a kidney infection that needs faster treatment. People who are pregnant, have diabetes, have a weakened immune system, or get UTIs repeatedly should always have symptoms evaluated. If you see blood in your urine or your symptoms are severe, contact your provider the same day rather than waiting.