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UTI Specialists

Tuality Physicians

Family Practice & Urgent Care located in Hillsboro, OR

Urinary tract infections are a common problem among both women and men. Tuality Physicians offers UTI diagnosis and treatment services to patients of all ages in Hillsboro, Oregon. Patients who suspect a UTI should contact the office to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Q & A

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that involves any part of the urinary tract. Depending on the extent of the infection, it may affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and/or kidneys. Some of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infections include:

  • Pain in the pelvis
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Cloudy urine
  • A burning sensation while urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Strong urges to urinate that won’t go away

What Causes UTIs?

UTIs develop when bacteria invade the urinary tract and begin to multiply. The urinary tract is designed to fight these bacteria, but the bacteria are able to take over in some cases. The bacteria that cause UTIs often come from the gastrointestinal tract. However, some UTIs result from bacteria introduced into the system during sexual intercourse. Because of differences in anatomy, women are more likely to develop UTIs than men.

How Does Tuality Physicians Diagnose a UTI?

When a patient comes in with the symptoms of a UTI, the doctor will begin by collecting information about these symptoms, as well as the patient’s medical history. The doctor may also analyze a urine sample from the patient and/or culture bacteria found in the urine sample.

What Treatment is Available to Patients with UTIs?

If the doctor discovers that a patient has a UTI, they will typically prescribe an antibiotic. The antibiotic used will depend on the type of bacteria found in the patient’s urinary tract. Patients may also receive a pain medication to deal with the discomfort until the infection is resolved. In rare cases, patients with very severe infections may need an intravenous antibiotic.

Can Patients Prevent Future UTIs?

Patients who get UTIs frequently may be able to prevent infection by practicing good hygiene, especially after using the bathroom. Patients should also drink plenty of liquids and urinate soon after engaging in sexual intercourse to flush out any bacteria attempting to infect the urinary tract.

Our Insurance Policy:

We participate with most local and many national insurance plans. We also accept Oregon workers' comp and auto-related medical claims.

However, it is your responsibility to understand whether your insurance has limits on the doctors you can see or the services you can receive. Please contact our office or call your insurance carrier should you have any questions.

  Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
CareOregon
Cigna
First Choice Health
HealthNet
Humana
LifeWise
Moda Health
Multiplan, Inc.
PacificSource
Providence Health Plans
Tuality Health Alliance
Tuality Select
United Healthcare