Picture of wooden blocks with the letters U, T, and I on them, with the words Urinary Tract Infection in the shadows.Have you been urinating more frequently than usual and experiencing a painful, burning, itching, or stinging sensation while doing so? Are you having trouble either producing urine or controlling your bladder? Is your urine bright pink, red, cola-colored, or cloudy, or does it have a foul scent?

If any of this sounds familiar, you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). This type of infection can affect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Fortunately, if you’re in East Brainerd, Tennessee, you can receive walk-in UTI treatment at Erlanger ExpressCare.

Common UTI Causes & Risk Factors

Although viruses and fungi can also cause UTIs, these infections most often result from bacteria. In many cases, E. coli bacteria—which are commonly found in the large intestine—will enter the urinary tract through the urethra, then continue into the bladder, ureters, and kidneys.

While UTIs can affect both sexes, women tend to have a higher risk of developing this type of infection. When compared to a man’s urethra, a woman’s urethra is located closer to her anus. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel from a woman’s anus into her urinary tract, increasing her risk of developing a UTI. And because a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s urethra, it makes it easier for bacteria to move from a woman’s urethra into her bladder.

The Convenient Choice for UTI Treatment

If you’re experiencing the UTI symptoms described above, it’s important that you promptly seek treatment. Erlanger ExpressCare’s East Brainerd, TN, office administers UTI treatment on a walk-in basis, so stop in whenever it’s most convenient for you. One of our experienced providers will confirm whether you have a UTI and supply you with customized treatment recommendations.