UTI Treatment

UTI Diagnosis & Treatment at iMed Urgent Care in Ohio

A urinary tract infection can go from a mild annoyance to painful and disruptive within a day, which is why fast diagnosis and treatment are necessary. At iMed Urgent Care, our providers offer on-site urinalysis and same-day UTI treatment, including prescription antibiotics when appropriate, at our Grove City, East Columbus, and South Columbus locations. Just walk in and get relief started today.

What Is a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium E. coli, which normally lives in the digestive tract and then enters the urinary tract and multiplies.

Just like the urethra is shorter in women, UTIs are more common in women than men, though men, children, and older adults can develop them as well.

Now UTIs have become one of the most common bacterial infections treated at urgent care. They can be a mild bladder infection that is easy to treat or a more serious kidney infection that needs quick medical attention. Getting diagnosed and treated quickly not only relieves symptoms faster but also helps prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.

Types of UTIs

Not all UTIs are the same. Understanding where the infection is helps explain why symptoms and urgency can vary:

Cystitis (bladder infection) is the most common type that causes pain and pressure in the lower abdomen and frequent, painful urination

Urethritis (urethra infection) causes burning during urination and can sometimes be confused with a sexually transmitted infection

Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a more serious upper urinary tract infection that can cause fever, back pain, and nausea, and typically needs quick treatment to prevent complications.

What Causes a UTI?

UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract, most often through the urethra and travel upward. Common contributing factors include:

Sexual activity which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
Not urinating soon after sex
Wiping back to front after using the bathroom
Holding urine for long periods
Dehydration, which prevents regular flushing of bacteria from the bladder
Use of certain birth control methods, such as diaphragms or spermicides
Menopause, which lowers estrogen and changes the vaginal and urinary tract environment
Urinary catheters or recent urinary tract procedures
Structural issues, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate that block normal urine flow

UTI Symptoms

UTI symptoms can appear quickly and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

A strong urge to urinate, even after going
Burning or pain when urinating
Urinating more often but passing only a small amount
Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
Lower belly or pelvic pressure
Feeling tired or generally unwell

Early Signs of a UTI

Many people first notice a UTI through small changes before stronger symptoms appear, including:

Mild burning or stinging when urinating
Feeling like your bladder is not fully empty
Mild lower belly pressure or discomfort
Cloudy or stronger-smelling urine
Needing to urinate more often than usual

Early treatment can help prevent the infection from getting worse or spreading to the kidneys.

UTI Symptoms in Women

Women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Common symptoms include burning when urinating, frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and sometimes pain during sex. Since these symptoms can also occur with vaginal infections or STIs, a urine test can help confirm the cause.

UTI Symptoms in Men

UTIs are less common in men but can be linked to problems such as an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or a urinary blockage. Symptoms of UTIs in men include burning during urination, difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or pelvic pain. Recurring UTIs can require further testing.

UTI Symptoms in Children

Children have different or less obvious symptoms, such as:

Frequent urination or new accidents

Pain or crying during urination

Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Fever without another clear cause

Irritability, tiredness, or poor appetite

In babies, fever, vomiting, or poor feeding

Children with repeated UTIs need further evaluation.

Signs a UTI Has Spread to the Kidneys

A UTI can spread to the kidneys if it is not treated. Warning signs include:

Fever, often 101°F or higher
Chills or shaking
Pain in the back or side below the ribs
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling much more sick or weak than usual

These symptoms need quick medical attention because kidney infections can be more serious.

UTI Treatment Options

UTI treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. The provider will recommend the best treatment based on your symptoms and health history.

Antibiotics for UTI

Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics for a few days. Your provider will choose the right antibiotic based on your health history, allergies, pregnancy status, and other factors. Take the full course as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

Pain and Symptom Relief

Medicine is also recommended to reduce burning and discomfort. Drinking enough water can also help you stay hydrated while you recover.

Treatment for Kidney Infections

A kidney infection requires stronger or longer antibiotic treatment. Severe cases also need IV antibiotics and hospital care.

UTI Treatment During Pregnancy

UTIs during pregnancy should be treated quickly. Your provider will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe for you and your baby.

Recurrent UTI Treatment

If you get UTIs often, your provider may recommend additional testing, preventive treatment, or referral to a specialist to find the cause.

UTI Treatment at iMed Urgent Care

For years, iMed Urgent Care has provided trusted urgent care services across Ohio. Our experienced team has helped many UTI patients get the care they need in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Walk-ins are always welcome, making it easy to get care when you need it. For UTI treatment, we believe that accurate diagnosis starts with a urine test that helps confirm the infection and identify the possible cause. Once your results are reviewed, our providers can recommend the right treatment for you.

Urinalysis: What to Expect

With our in-house lab testing services, you don't need to go anywhere. Our team checks for signs of infection such as white blood cells, bacteria, and blood. This quick test gives providers the information needed to start treatment the same day in most simple cases.

Initial urinalysis results are available within minutes during your visit. If a urine culture is needed, results take longer, and our team will follow up with you by phone.

UTI Prevention Tips

You cannot prevent every UTI but simple daily habits can help lower your risk.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Don’t hold your urine for long periods.
Urinate soon after sexual activity.
Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Avoid scented sprays, douches, and other irritating products.
If you get frequent UTIs, talk to your provider about your birth control method.
Wear breathable cotton underwear.

Why Choose iMed Urgent Care for UTI Treatment?

UTI symptoms can be uncomfortable. At iMed Urgent Care, we make it easier to get the care you need without long waits or delayed treatment.

Walk-In and Same-Day Care

No appointment is needed. Walk in during business hours or use our online check-in to save your spot. Our team can test and treat most UTIs during the same visit.

Experienced Providers

Our providers carefully review your symptoms and test results to find the right UTI treatment. They can also identify cases that may need extra care, such as kidney infections, UTIs during pregnancy, or recurring UTIs.

Convenient Columbus-Area Locations

For the convenience of Ohio residents, we offer urgent care services at multiple locations across the state, making it easier to get the care you need when you need it.

Grove City Urgent Care
East Columbus Urgent Care
South Columbus Urgent Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a UTI or a yeast infection?

UTIs and yeast infections can cause similar discomfort but they need different treatments. UTIs often cause burning when urinating and a strong urge to urinate. Yeast infections usually cause itching and unusual discharge. A medical evaluation can help identify the cause.

Can I go to urgent care instead of the ER for a UTI?

Yes, urgent care can treat most simple UTIs. However, go to the ER if you have a high fever, severe vomiting, or cannot keep fluids down, as these can be signs of a kidney infection.

How many UTIs are considered recurrent?

Having two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year is generally considered recurrent. If this happens, talk to your provider about prevention and further evaluation.

Do I need an appointment for UTI treatment at iMed?

No. iMed Urgent Care is a walk-in urgent care centre in Ohio. You can walk in at any of our Columbus-area locations or use our online check-in to save your spot.

Can men get UTIs treated at iMed Urgent Care?

Yes. Our providers treat UTIs in both men and women. Men with UTIs may need additional testing or follow-up to find the cause.