UTIs are common and miserable, but they’re usually straightforward to diagnose and treat at urgent care— no need to wait for a primary-care slot or sit in the ER unless you’re very unwell.
When urgent care is appropriate
Go to urgent care if you have:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent/urgent need to pee, small volumes
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or pink-tinged urine
- Mild fever (<100.4°F/38°C) without flank pain
Skip urgent care and use the ER if you have any of these: high fever, back/flank pain, vomiting, confusion, pregnancy with severe symptoms, very ill appearance, or symptoms in a child <3 months.
What they’ll do
- History + exam: Onset, prior UTIs, sexual activity, hydration, meds, allergies, pregnancy status.
- Urinalysis (dipstick): Looks for leukocytes, nitrites, blood. Results in minutes.
- Urine culture (often sent): Confirms the germ and guides antibiotics; results in 24–72 hours.
- Pregnancy test (if applicable): Changes antibiotic choice.
- STI testing (case-by-case): If symptoms overlap or there’s risk.
Treatment you can expect
- Antibiotics: Short courses are typical (often 3–7 days). If you have kidney involvement or risk factors, longer or different meds.
- Pain relief: Phenazopyridine for burning (can turn urine orange), plus acetaminophen or ibuprofen if tolerated.
- Fluids: Not a cure, but helps symptoms and prevents dehydration.
- Follow-up plan: Return or call if worse, and a switch in antibiotics if the culture shows resistance.
Tell them about: drug allergies (especially sulfa), recent antibiotic use, kidney/liver issues, diabetes, immune conditions, and if you’re pregnant or trying to be.
Special situations
- Pregnant: Treat promptly; culture is standard; choices are pregnancy-safe antibiotics.
- Men: Less common—often triggers culture and evaluation for prostatitis or anatomic issues.
- Older adults: Symptoms can be atypical; avoid treating asymptomatic bacteriuria unless specific indications.
- Children: Fever or flank pain needs closer assessment; infants <3 months go to the ER.
Red flags after your visit
Return immediately (or use the ER) if you develop: high fever, rigors, worsening back/flank pain, vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, rash, allergic reaction to meds, or no improvement after 48–72 hours.
Preventing the next one
- Hydrate; don’t hold urine for long stretches.
- Urinate after sex; consider avoiding spermicides/diaphragms if UTIs recur.
- Wipe front-to-back; avoid harsh fragranced products.
- For recurrent UTIs, a clinician may discuss post-sex or low-dose preventive antibiotics, vaginal estrogen (post-menopause), cranberry/D-mannose (mixed evidence), and ruling out stones or structural issues.
What to bring to urgent care
- Medication/allergy list
- Last urine culture results if you have them
- Recent antibiotics taken
- Insurance card and a method of contact for culture follow-up
Bottom line
Urgent care can rapidly test and start treatment for most UTIs. Know the ER red flags, finish your antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and use simple prevention habits to cut recurrence.