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Urgent Care & Family Medicine · Washington DC

Urinary Tract
Infections (UTIs)

Bacterial infections affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. More prevalent in women; diagnosed by urinalysis and treated with targeted antibiotics.

Burning Urination Frequency Pelvic Pain Cloudy Urine Fever (severe cases)
⚠️ Seek emergency care if: You develop high fever, chills, severe back or side pain, nausea or vomiting alongside UTI symptoms — these may indicate a kidney infection requiring immediate treatment. Call 911 or go to your nearest ER.
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Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system — including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis). UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections seen in primary care and urgent care settings, and are significantly more prevalent in women than in men due to anatomical differences. Most uncomplicated UTIs respond well to a short course of targeted antibiotics.

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Signs & Symptoms

Frequent urge to urinate
Painful or burning sensation while urinating
Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Blood in the urine (haematuria)
Fever — in severe cases such as kidney infections
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Diagnostic Labs

Urine Dipstick First-line
A rapid in-office test used to check for signs of infection in the urine — specifically the presence of blood, leukocytes (white blood cells), and nitrites. Results are available within minutes and guide initial treatment decisions.
Urine Culture Confirmatory
A laboratory culture of the urine sample to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic for treatment. Particularly important for recurrent, complicated, or treatment-resistant UTIs. Results typically take 24–48 hours.
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Treatment Options

1
Antibiotics The primary treatment for UTIs. The antibiotic selected is guided by the likely bacteria and, where available, urine culture sensitivity results. Common first-line options include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin. It is important to complete the full course even after symptoms improve.
2
Pain Relief — Phenazopyridine A urinary analgesic that can be used short-term to relieve the burning, urgency, and discomfort associated with UTIs. Note that it treats symptoms only and does not treat the underlying infection — it is used alongside antibiotics, not instead of them. It will turn urine orange or red in colour.
3
Increased Fluid Intake Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, supports antibiotic effectiveness, and reduces symptom severity. Patients are advised to increase fluid intake throughout the duration of treatment.
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Follow-Up Guidance

Symptoms not resolving within 48–72 hours

If your symptoms do not begin to improve within 48–72 hours of starting antibiotics, further evaluation is needed. This may indicate antibiotic resistance or a more complex infection requiring a different treatment approach. Please contact us promptly.

Recurrent UTIs — referral to a urologist

Women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections — typically defined as two or more infections within six months, or three or more within a year — may benefit from referral to a urologist for further investigation and longer-term prevention strategies.

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Prevention Tips

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Stay well hydratedDrinking plenty of water dilutes urine and encourages frequent urination, which helps flush bacteria before an infection can develop.
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Wipe front to backAlways wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from the anal region spreading to the urethra.
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Don't delay urinationUrinate as soon as you feel the urge. Holding urine for extended periods allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder.
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Post-intercourse urinationUrinating soon after sexual activity helps flush bacteria from the urethra, reducing the risk of infection.
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Available Through Two Specialties

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Treated under both Urgent Care and Family Medicine UTIs can be managed as a walk-in urgent care visit for acute symptoms, or as part of your ongoing family medicine care for recurrent or complex cases. Both pathways are available at Foggy Bottom Clinic under one roof.
Urgent Care — Walk-in Family Medicine — Ongoing care

Same-day care available

Walk in or book a same-day appointment. Call first for urgent care — average wait under 15 minutes.

Schedule a Visit Online Consult — $89

Or call 202.463.5141

🕐  Clinic Hours

Mon – Fri8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday8:30 am – 1:00 pm
SundayClosed

📍  Find Us

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Address908 New Hampshire Ave NW
Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037
(24th and I)
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Phone202.463.5141
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PaymentMost insurance plans ,Medicare accepted & all major credit cards

About Our Practice

Your neighbourhood clinic in Foggy Bottom

At Foggy Bottom Clinic we are dedicated to serving the community through personalised and timely medical visits. We do this by limiting the number of patients we schedule each day and making sure our doctors are accessible for urgent care appointments and follow-up needs.

Schedule an Appointment
📍 Location908 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20037  (24th and I)
📞 Contact202.463.5141
Call first for urgent care availability
🕐 HoursMon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm