UTI Treatment for San Rafael, CA, Residents

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections or long-term discomfort. At Medical Center of Marin, we offer fast and effective UTI treatment for residents of San Rafael, California. Whether you need UTI pain treatment or urgent care for UTI, our experienced medical team is here to help you get relief quickly.

What Causes a UTI?

Urine is normally sterile, meaning it does not contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi. However, an infection can occur when bacteria from the digestive tract travel to the urethra and multiply. The most common bacteria responsible for UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally resides in the colon.

Bacteria can enter the urinary tract and lead to different types of UTIs:

  • Urethritis – An infection in the urethra.
  • Cystitis – A bladder infection, the most common type of UTI.
  • Pyelonephritis – A kidney infection, which can develop if a UTI is left untreated.

Since UTIs can worsen quickly, seeking prompt UTI treatment is essential to avoid further complications.

Common Symptoms of a UTI

Not everyone with a UTI experiences symptoms, but most people develop one or more of the following signs:

  • A persistent urge to urinate
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
  • Frequent urination with only small amounts of urine passing
  • Cloudy, milky, or foul-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain (in women) or rectal pain (in men)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visiting Medical Center of Marin for urgent care for UTI can help you get fast relief before the infection worsens.

How Is a UTI Diagnosed?

To diagnose a UTI, our medical providers will perform a urinalysis, which tests a urine sample for bacteria and infection markers. At Medical Center of Marin, we provide on-site urine testing, allowing us to quickly determine whether you have a UTI and what type of bacteria may be causing it.

During the test, you will be asked to provide a “clean catch” urine sample, which involves washing the genital area before collecting midstream urine in a sterile container. This method helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate results for effective UTI treatment.

Effective UTI Treatment Options

UTIs are treated with antibiotic medications, which work to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. The type of antibiotic prescribed and the length of treatment depend on your medical history and the severity of your infection.

UTI Pain Treatment

While antibiotics treat the infection, you may still experience discomfort. To help relieve symptoms, our providers may recommend:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Drinking plenty of water to flush bacteria from the urinary tract
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder
  • Using a heating pad on the lower abdomen for pain relief

Antibiotic Therapy

  • Mild UTIs may only require a short course of antibiotics (3–7 days).
  • Severe or recurrent infections may require longer treatments or different types of antibiotics.
  • If a kidney infection develops, stronger antibiotics or IV treatment may be needed.

Once UTI treatment begins, symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours, but it’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

When to Seek Urgent Care for a UTI

Some UTIs resolve with early treatment, but serious infections require immediate medical attention. Visit Medical Center of Marin for urgent care for UTI if you experience:

  • Severe lower back or side pain (a sign of a possible kidney infection)
  • High fever and chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent UTI symptoms that do not improve with antibiotics
  • Ignoring a UTI can increase the risk of complications, so seeking timely medical care is essential.

Insurance Plans Accepted at Medical Center of Marin

We believe in accessible and affordable healthcare. That’s why Medical Center of Marin accepts a variety of insurance plans, including:

  • PPO Insurance Plans
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Humana
  • ChoiceCare
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna
  • HealthNet
  • Cigna
  • Interplan
  • Medicare
  • HMO Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Western Health Advantage
  • Meritage Medical Network
  • American Specialty Health
  • TRICARE West
  • Brown & Toland

If you have insurance questions, contact us for assistance.

Get Fast, Effective UTI Treatment in San Rafael, CA

If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, Medical Center of Marin provides expert UTI treatment with on-site testing and urgent care services in San Rafael, CA. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—schedule an appointment online or visit our clinic today for quick relief and expert care.