UTI Treatment in Houston

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause burning with urination, frequent urges to go, pelvic discomfort, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys.

CLS Health provides UTI testing and treatment in Houston for first-time, persistent, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Depending on your symptoms and health history, care may include urinalysis, urine culture, urine PCR testing, antibiotics, imaging, or referral to a urology specialist when needed.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system and multiply, causing inflammation and infection. UTIs can affect the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys.

UTIs can affect anyone, but they are more common in women because the urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) don’t always show noticeable symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

• Frequent urination with a persistent urge to go
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain or discomfort, especially in women
• Blood in the urine
• Lower abdominal or back pain
• Fatigue, fever, or chills (in more severe cases)

Symptoms such as fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting may be signs of a kidney infection and should be evaluated promptly.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

Not all UTIs are the same. Depending on the affected area, different types of infections can develop:

Cystitis 

Cystitis is the most common type of UTI, affecting the bladder. Symptoms include pelvic pressure, frequent urination, painful urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.

Pyelonephritis

A more serious type of UTI, pyelonephritis, occurs when bacteria travel from the bladder to the kidneys. With this condition, you may experience high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and intense lower back pain. Prompt treatment is important to prevent complications.

Urethritis 

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra that can cause a burning sensation during urination and lead to discharge. It often results from bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have burning with urination, discharge, or possible STI exposure, see a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

What Can Cause a UTI?

Several factors contribute to the development of UTIs, including:

• Bacterial entry: The most common cause is E. coli bacteria, which normally reside in the intestines but can enter the urinary tract.
• Sexual activity: Increases the risk of bacteria reaching the urethra.
• Poor hygiene: Wiping from back to front can transfer bacteria.
• Urinary retention: Not fully emptying the bladder can allow bacteria to multiply.
• Certain birth control methods: Spermicides and diaphragms can increase susceptibility.
• Menopause: Lower estrogen levels can alter the vaginal and urinary environment, making infections more likely.

Some individuals experience recurrent UTIs, which may be due to anatomical factors, weakened immune response, or antibiotic resistance. It is best to visit a local urologist if symptoms persist or worsen over time. 

How Is a UTI Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a UTI involves a combination of symptom assessment and laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, urine culture, or imaging tests. Our urology specialists may perform the following:

• Urinalysis – A rapid test that detects white blood cells, bacteria, and signs of infection in the urine.
• Urine culture – Identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and helps determine which antibiotic may work best.
• Urine PCR testing – A molecular diagnostic technique that can detect bacterial DNA faster and more comprehensively than traditional culture methods, especially valuable in recurrent or complex cases.
• Imaging tests – In recurrent or severe cases, ultrasound or cystogram may be recommended to evaluate the urinary system.
• Cystoscopy – A minimally invasive procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra. It may be recommended during a recurrent UTI workup to identify structural abnormalities or other causes of persistent infection.

When Should You See a Doctor for a UTI?

See a healthcare provider if UTI symptoms last more than 24 to 48 hours, worsen, or keep coming back. You should seek care sooner if you have fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, visible blood in the urine, pregnancy, diabetes, kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or confusion in an older adult.

These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or a higher risk of complications.

UTI Testing and Treatment Options

CLS Health’s UTI treatment and diagnostic services address immediate symptoms and help prevent future infections.

Urine test

A urinalysis or urine test strips can detect infection markers such as bacteria, white blood cells, and nitrites.

Urine culture

If an infection is persistent or recurrent, a urine culture helps identify the specific bacteria present and determine which antibiotic may work best.

Urine PCR testing

This advanced molecular technique detects bacterial DNA and may provide faster, more detailed information than a standard urine culture in selected cases, especially for recurrent or complex infections.

Cystogram

A cystogram is an imaging test that uses contrast dye to assess bladder function and identify structural issues. It is used to diagnose bladder dysfunction, urinary reflux, bladder trauma, structural abnormalities, and causes of urinary incontinence.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy allows direct visualization of the bladder and urethra, helping identify abnormalities, inflammation, or anatomical issues in patients with chronic or recurrent UTIs.

Ultrasound

For individuals with frequent UTIs, an ultrasound may be used to evaluate the kidneys and urinary system for abnormalities.

Antibiotics

Most bacterial UTIs are treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic depends on your symptoms, health history, urine test results, and local resistance patterns.

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)

Your provider will choose the appropriate medication based on your diagnosis. Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s prescription.

If a UTI is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, alternative treatments may be required, such as IV antibiotics or a longer course of targeted medication.

Wondering whether you can wait it out? Learn more about whether a UTI can go away on its own and when medical care is recommended.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Preventive care is key to reducing UTI risk. Our urologists offer guidance on:

• Drinking enough water to support urinary tract health
• Urinating after intercourse to help clear bacteria
• Avoiding irritants like scented hygiene products and spermicides
• Maintaining good hygiene practices
• Discussing supplements such as D-mannose or cranberry products with standardized proanthocyanidins (PACs), which may help reduce bacterial adherence in some patients.
• Vaginal estrogen therapy for some postmenopausal women, which may help restore healthier vaginal and urinary tissues and lower the risk of recurrent UTIs.

Schedule UTI Treatment in Houston

If you have burning with urination, frequent urges to go, pelvic pain, blood in the urine, or symptoms that keep coming back, CLS Health can help you get answers and treatment.

Schedule an appointment today for UTI testing and treatment in Houston.