The bottom line on UTIs: What you need to know to stay healthy

June 13, 2025

As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, UTIs are one of the top reasons people go to the emergency room (ER). But did you know that they are surprisingly easy to prevent and treat?

Early UTI treatment from your primary care doctor can save you time, money, and a trip to the ER. An ER visit can cost two to three times more than a visit to your primary doctor.¹ By understanding what UTIs are, who’s at risk, and how to prevent them, you can take control of your health and avoid unnecessary expenses and discomfort.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that occurs in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Some people refer to UTIs as bladder or kidney infections, but they’re all part of the same urinary tract system. 

When bacteria enter the body through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body, and the body doesn’t flush them out, they can settle in your bladder and multiply, causing an infection.

Who is at risk?

UTIs are more common in women because they have a shorter urethra than men do. So, bacteria have a shorter distance to travel up from the urethra and infect the bladder. In fact, about 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.²

Anyone can get a UTI, including:

• Women of all ages — including those who are pregnant, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal — due to hormonal changes
• People with immunocompromised illnesses, such as diabetes or kidney disease 
• Men with conditions like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones
• Children, especially girls and uncircumcised boys
• People born with conditions affecting the urinary tract
• Those using a catheter 

Aging and UTIs: What caregivers need to know

Aging bodies experience changes that make us more susceptible to UTIs. Weakened immune systems, hormone level shifts, and bladder control problems are all contributing factors. If you’re a caregiver, monitor for these additional signs that could indicate an infection.

• Agitation
• Delirium
• Confusion — especially those affected by dementia³
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood pressure

Prevention is key

Prevent UTIs from becoming emergencies with these simple steps.

• Drink plenty of water to clear out bacteria from the urinary tract. This is especially important in the summer months, when dehydration can easily occur.
• Practice proper bathroom cleanliness and hygiene to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. 
• Avoid wearing tight clothes for too long (like bathing suits or workout clothes).
• Relieve yourself often, especially after sexual activity, to flush bacteria out before it can set in your bladder.

Know the symptoms

Recognize the symptoms of a UTI to get the care you need. Remember, your doctor has seen it all before, so don’t be embarrassed to speak up if you’re experiencing any of these signs.

• A pain or burning feeling when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate, even if little comes out
• Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or on either side of your lower back, just above your hips

Know where to go for care

If you suspect you have a UTI, don’t wait to get care. Here are some convenient and effective options for getting the care you need:

• Primary care doctors: Your primary care doctor is your best resource for early treatment of a UTI. They know your medical history and can provide personalized care. If you don’t have an in-network primary care doctor, consider choosing one to help you get and stay healthy.
• Urgent care and retail clinics: If your primary care doctor isn’t available for a same-day appointment, check to see where your local in-network urgent care or retail care clinics (e.g., CVS or Walgreens) are located. Urgent care clinics can provide faster and cost-effective treatment for UTIs, often at a lower cost than the ER. Before visiting a retail clinic, call ahead to confirm that they treat UTIs.
• Virtual care: Virtual care options, such as online consultations, can provide convenient and rapid care for UTIs. If your health care provider doesn’t offer virtual care, check with your insurance provider to see if virtual care options are covered under your plan.

UTI treatment

If left untreated, or if treatment is delayed, UTIs can lead to severe complications, such as kidney damage, sepsis (a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs), and even kidney failure. The good news is that, if caught early, they’re usually easy to treat with antibiotics. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage symptoms until you finish your antibiotics.

The bottom line

I’ve seen how UTIs can interrupt lives. But by understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps, you can protect your health and avoid stressful ER visits. In fact, recent studies showed that 41 – 66% of ER visits are considered preventable, highlighting the importance of seeking care in a non-urgent setting.⁴ By getting the right care at the right time and place, you can get back to your life faster and save time and money.

To learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for UTIs, read our Understanding urinary tract infections article.

¹ MedlinePlus: When to use the emergency room
² American Medical Association: What doctors wish patients knew about UTI prevention
³ National Library of Medicine: Urinary Tract Infection Induced Delirium in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review
⁴ National Library of Medicine: Medicaid Managed Care in Florida and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Preventable Emergency Department Visits