Did you know that there are more than 8.1 million cases of urinary tract infections each year? It’s one of the most common kidney health-related conditions.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville wants you to know what steps you can take in order to reduce your risk of having a urinary tract infection, as well as symptoms that might begin to appear if you do end up with UTI.

How Do I Know If I Am At Risk for a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI, occurs when there is an infection somewhere in a person’s urinary tract. While everyone is at risk for a urinary tract infection, the condition is more commonly diagnosed among women, likely due to anatomical differences that make it easier for bacteria to enter the body.

Elderly people or people who have chronic health conditions are also at a higher risk for urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of a UTI

• Burning with urination
• Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
• Increased urgency of urination
• Bloody urine
• Cloudy urine
• Urine that looks like cola or tea
• Urine that has a strong odor
• Pelvic pain in women

What Can I Do to Help Prevent UTIs?

The best thing you can do to protect your kidneys and your urinary tract system is to ensure you’re staying well-hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help make sure you’re keeping everything running optimally and flushing bacteria out of the body.

Don’t just drink when you’re thirsty, either. Drink continuously throughout the day to keep your body’s water in balance.

Ways to Prevent a UTI

• Stay hydrated.
• Urinate when you need to.
• Drink cranberry juice.
• Use probiotics.
• Get enough vitamin C.
• Wipe from front to back.

Do you think you might be experiencing a urinary tract infection? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Louisville today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan.