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Understanding UTIs: Symptoms, treatment, and when to see a specialist

June 24, 2025 | By Staff Writer

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are common bacterial infections—especially in women. While many UTIs are simple to treat, some can become persistent, and bacteria can spread to the bladder or kidneys. That's when it's time to seek more specialized care.

Molly Hussey, PA-C, is a physician assistant working in urology at M Health Fairview Urology Clinic – Edina. She shares her best UTI prevention tips and guidance for getting care.

A UTI is a bacterial infection

A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The urinary tract includes kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and in men a prostate. UTIs are more common in women than in men because women have shorter urethras that are easier to contaminate during intercourse or due to improper wiping because of its proximity to the anus.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
  • A burning sensation during urination.
  • Passing small amounts of urine frequently.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Pelvic pressure or discomfort. 

Where to go for UTI care

When you have a UTI, getting care quickly is important because UTIs can be annoying or painful, but bacteria can also spread to the bladder or kidneys.

You may be able to get same-day care at M Health Fairview urgent care locations, by calling 855-FAIRVIEW, or reaching out to your primary care provider either through MyChart or by calling their office. 

It’s generally best to go in to see a healthcare provider in-person who can test for bacteria before prescribing antibiotics. If you’ve had a UTI before and have the same symptoms again, your provider might be able to care for you virtually with an eVisit or video visit.

“For a low-risk young person with reliable symptoms, you can send your provider a MyChart message, but if you have UTI symptoms that persist or have a UTI more than twice in 6 months, then you need to be seen by a specialist,” Hussey said.

Kidney infections need emergency care

When bacteria spread to the kidneys or bladder, symptoms can become more severe and may lead to hospitalization.

If you notice signs of a kidney infection, go to an emergency department for care. Signs include worsening UTI symptoms along with:

  • Back or side pain
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Confusion

 

UTIs are common among younger and older women

Young women get UTIs most often, due to anatomy and hormonal changes. Many will grow out of them with time, Hussey said. However, UTIs can also occur later in life, especially in postmenopausal women or in older adults. In older people, UTIs may come with unusual symptoms like confusion, weakness, or falls—sometimes without any urinary symptoms at all.

Men who experience UTI symptoms should always be referred to a urologist, as UTIs are less common in men and may indicate an underlying issue.

When to see a urologist

A first or infrequent UTI can often be managed with a short course of antibiotics from your primary care provider or gynecologist, Hussey said, but there are situations when you should be referred to a urology specialist:

  • If you have two or more UTIs within six months.
  • If your symptoms don’t improve after treatment.
  • If your urine cultures don’t confirm infection despite ongoing symptoms.
  • If you’re a man with a UTI.

 

A urologist can help determine whether there’s an underlying issue contributing to infections.

UTI treatment and prevention

UTI treatment usually includes antibiotics. Hussey also recommends over-the-counter medications like Azo urinary pain relief tablets to help ease symptoms.

In addition to medication, you can help keep the urinary tract healthy, which might prevent UTIs by:

  • Drinking plenty of water to stay well-hydrated.
  • Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and citrus.
  • Using probiotic and vitamin C supplements to help prevent infections.

 

Despite its reputation, cranberry juice isn’t the best UTI-prevention method.

“Cranberry juice can be a bladder irritant and actually ramp up symptoms,” Hussey said. “Cranberry tablets are far more concentrated and effective."

Instead, Hussey recommends supplements like D-mannose and Ellura, a cranberry supplement, to help prevent recurring UTIs. Some marketed UTI prevention kits can be effective but are also expensive. The main ingredients, D-mannose and vitamin C are available individually and at a lower cost.

Learn more about urology care from M Health Fairview. 

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Womens Health