Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections treated in urgent care — and one of the most straightforward to diagnose and treat when caught early. At Monarch Medicine, our on-site diagnostic testing confirms a UTI with a urinalysis performed during your visit, and antibiotic treatment is prescribed and sent to your pharmacy before you leave. Walk-in, no appointment needed, same-day care in Carmel.

I’m Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, FAAFP, board-certified family physician and Medical Director at Monarch Medicine. The two things patients most commonly misunderstand about UTIs: first, that the infection will resolve on its own if they drink enough water and wait — it usually won’t, and the risk of ascent to kidney infection is real. Second, that cranberry juice treats an active UTI — it doesn’t. This guide covers both, along with what the clinical presentation of a UTI versus a kidney infection looks like and when each requires same-day evaluation.

UTI Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria — most commonly Escherichia coli from the gastrointestinal tract — enter the urethra and colonize the urinary system. Women are significantly more susceptible than men due to the shorter urethra and proximity of the urethral opening to the rectum. According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 60% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 25% will experience recurrence.

UTIs are classified by location in the urinary tract — lower UTIs (bladder and urethra) are far more common and generally straightforward to treat, while upper UTIs involving the kidneys are more serious and require a different treatment approach.

UTI Symptoms: Lower vs. Upper Infection

The location of the infection determines the symptom pattern — and the distinction matters clinically because upper UTI symptoms (kidney involvement) require same-day evaluation and more aggressive treatment:

Who Is at Higher Risk for UTIs

While UTIs can affect anyone, certain factors significantly increase risk or severity. Dr. Clay evaluates these factors to determine appropriate treatment course:

• Female anatomy — shorter urethra and proximity to rectal flora is the primary anatomical risk factor
• Sexual activity — intercourse introduces bacteria into the urethra; post-intercourse urination significantly reduces risk
• Menopause — declining estrogen alters vaginal flora and urethral tissue integrity, increasing susceptibility
• Pregnancy — UTIs in pregnancy require same-day evaluation and treatment regardless of symptom severity; even asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is treated to prevent preterm labor risk
• Diabetes — elevated urinary glucose creates a bacterial growth environment; UTIs in diabetic patients are treated more aggressively and for longer courses
• Urinary tract abnormalities — kidney stones, structural abnormalities, or prior urologic surgery increase risk
• Catheter use — catheter-associated UTIs are among the most common healthcare-associated infections
• History of recurrent UTIs — two or more confirmed UTIs in six months warrants evaluation for preventive strategies

Diagnosis and Treatment at Monarch Medicine

Urinalysis is performed on-site with results in minutes. The test identifies white blood cells (indicating infection), bacteria, red blood cells, and nitrites — all markers that confirm UTI and guide treatment decisions. Dr. Clay reviews findings and prescribes the appropriate antibiotic at the same visit.

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  Same-day urinalysis On-site results in minutes — no send-out lab, no waiting days for results
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  Antibiotic prescription same visit Sent electronically to your pharmacy before you leave; most patients begin treatment same afternoon
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  Antibiotic selection based on clinical picture First-line UTI antibiotics differ for uncomplicated vs. complicated UTI, pregnancy, and allergy history — Dr. Clay selects based on your specific situation
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  Kidney infection assessment If flank pain, fever, or systemic symptoms are present, evaluation is escalated — pyelonephritis requires a longer antibiotic course and sometimes IV treatment
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  Recurrence discussion Two or more UTIs in six months warrants a conversation about preventive strategies — we discuss these at the time of your visit
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  Epic and MyChart integration Your urinalysis results, diagnosis, and prescription documented and available to your primary care physician automatically

“The most important thing I tell patients about UTIs is this: drinking more water helps, but it does not replace antibiotics. The bacteria causing your infection are already established in the bladder lining — fluids alone cannot clear them. Starting antibiotics today is almost always the right decision.” Dr. Lisa Clay, MD, FAAFP — Monarch Medicine Urgent Care

What About Cranberry Juice?

Cranberry products — juice and supplements — are among the most common home remedies patients attempt before coming in. The evidence:

• Cranberry does not treat an active UTI. It has no antibiotic properties and cannot clear an established bacterial infection. If you have active symptoms, antibiotics are required — cranberry products as a substitute delay appropriate treatment and risk progression to kidney infection.
• Limited prevention evidence. Some studies suggest that proanthocyanidins in cranberry may modestly reduce bacterial adhesion to bladder walls in women with recurrent UTIs — but the effect size is small, the evidence is mixed, and cranberry juice is high in sugar, which can worsen bladder irritation in some patients.
• Cranberry supplements over juice if trying prevention. If a patient wants to try cranberry for recurrence prevention, standardized supplements contain higher concentrations of the active compounds without the sugar load of juice. Neither replaces the evidence-based preventive measures below.

Evidence-Based UTI Prevention

• Urinate after sexual intercourse — the single most effective behavioral intervention for sexually active women with recurrent UTIs
• Wipe front to back — prevents fecal bacteria from entering the urethra
• Stay well hydrated — adequate urine output flushes bacteria from the urethra before colonization can establish; aim for pale yellow urine as a hydration target
• Avoid prolonged bladder retention — urinate when the urge is present; holding urine for extended periods allows bacterial growth
• Avoid irritating products — scented feminine hygiene products, douches, and harsh soaps alter vaginal flora and increase susceptibility
• Consider birth control method — diaphragms and spermicides increase UTI risk by altering vaginal flora; discuss alternatives with Dr. Clay if UTIs are recurring in association with these methods
• Postmenopausal patients: discuss topical estrogen — vaginal estrogen therapy significantly reduces recurrent UTI risk in postmenopausal women by restoring urethral tissue integrity; Dr. Clay can discuss this option at your visit

Frequently Asked Questions About UTI Treatment

Have questions before your visit? Contact us and we’ll help you determine the right next step.