Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When to Visit Scotch Plains medical Center /Urgent Care


Scotch Plains
 •
April 5, 2025 • 2min

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable—and sometimes painful—it can be. UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions of people each year. But how do you know when it’s time to seek treatment? And is urgent care the right place to go?

At Scotch Plains Medical Center / Urgent Care, we offer fast, walk-in care for UTIs so you can get relief and avoid complications.


What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria—most often E. coli—enter the urinary system. This can affect the:

  • Bladder (cystitis)
  • Urethra (urethritis)
  • Kidneys (pyelonephritis)

Bladder infections are the most common type and are typically easy to treat if caught early.


Common UTI Symptoms

  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Frequent urge to urinate, even when little comes out
  • Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
  • Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pressure
  • Blood in the urine
  • Fatigue or mild fever

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get tested and treated quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys.


Should You Go to Urgent Care for a UTI?

Yes! Urgent care is an excellent option for UTI treatment, especially when you:

✅ Need quick, same-day care
✅ Can’t get a fast appointment with your primary doctor
✅ Want to avoid a long wait at the emergency room
✅ Need a urine test and prescription antibiotics quickly

At Scotch Plains Urgent Care, we offer on-site testing and immediate treatment to help relieve symptoms fast.


What to Expect at Your Visit

When you come in with UTI symptoms, here’s what we do:

  1. Review your symptoms and medical history
  2. Perform a urinalysis or send a urine culture if needed
  3. Prescribe appropriate antibiotics
  4. Offer tips for hydration and prevention

You’ll be in and out quickly—and on your way to feeling better.


When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care for a UTI

While most UTIs are minor, you should seek urgent care immediately if you experience:

  • Fever over 101°F
  • Back or side pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Symptoms lasting more than 2 days
  • UTI symptoms during pregnancy
  • Recurrent UTIs

These may be signs of a kidney infection or a more serious issue requiring prompt treatment.


How to Prevent UTIs

Our providers at Scotch Plains Medical Center often share the following prevention tips:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Wipe front to back after using the restroom
  • Urinate after sex
  • Avoid irritating feminine hygiene products
  • Don’t hold in your urine for long periods

If you get frequent UTIs, we can help explore underlying causes and offer preventive strategies.


Fast, Discreet UTI Treatment at Scotch Plains Medical Center / Urgent Care

UTI symptoms can be painful—but relief is just a visit away. At Scotch Plains Urgent Care, we make it easy to walk in, get tested, and leave with the treatment you need.

Open 7 days a week—no appointment necessary.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

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Scotch Plains
Read the latest healthcare insights and clinic news authored by the Scotch Plains Medical Clinic team. Your trusted source for community health updates.
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