UTI Questions and Answers (Frequently Asked Questions)

I'm not sure what to do. How does the website work?

UTItreatment.com is a virtual clinic where women can be safely, efficiently and affordably diagnosed and treated for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection by a physician without being seen in their healthcare provider's office. You begin the easy process of getting diagnosed and having your UTI antibiotics called in to a pharmacy by completing our simple questionnaire.

What happens after I complete the questionnaire?

Once you have completed the questionnaire, you are taken to our pharmacy locator tool to select the pharmacy most convenient for you to have your prescription called in to. After choosing your local pharmacy, you will be directed to our secure checkout page to provide your private patient information. This information will then be sent to our physician network and a doctor will carefully evaluate your symptoms and your history to make a UTI diagnosis.

How much does the UTItreatment.com's diagnosis service cost?

Our service costs only $59, which includes your physician diagnosis and calling in your prescription. The only way to effectively treat the bacteria that cause UTIs is with a prescription antibiotic, which, if indicated, will be sent to your pharmacy of choice. We only charge for the service of diagnosing and writing your prescription, just like a doctor’s office does; meaning we do not charge you for the prescription. The pharmacy charges for the prescription, and you can use your insurance to cover the cost of the antibiotic, or pay the typically low cost for the prescription out of pocket.

What happens after the checkout process?

Once you have provided your patient information and checked out, our physicians review your questionnaire responses and diagnose your UTI, if applicable. A doctor in our network will call you to confirm your symptoms and medical history within 2-3 hours. If nothing has changed, they will call in your UTI prescription to the pharmacy you chose.

Is it safe to treat my UTI without a urinalysis or a urine culture?

Many studies have shown that uncomplicated urinary tract infections can be safely diagnosed and treated using the patient's symptoms and relevant medical history. These studies have established that frequent urination with a burning sensation without a vaginal infection allows the physician a 95% successful diagnosis rate, allowing you to get treatment quickly for an UTI without performing an unnecessary examination, urinalysis or a urine culture.

How long is the course of antibiotics?

The physician will recommend the duration of treatment. Depending on the UTI antibiotic prescribed to treat your UTI, the usual course may be 3, 5 or 7 days.

How long will it take for my UTI symptoms to subside?

Typically, symptoms should improve significantly within 24 to 36 hours. Your physician may recommend over-the-counter medication to help relieve some of your symptoms until the effects of the antibiotics begin. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent recurrence, otherwise the bacteria causing the UTI may not be fully eliminated.

What happens if my symptoms don’t clear up or get worse?

After 36 hours of treatment, your symptoms should all be resolved. If your symptoms do not go away or if they get worse, please call our care advisors at 1-866-554-4296 during our hours of operation to discuss your condition. If your problems or concerns occur after hours, it is recommended that you seek care from your private physician, emergency room or minor emergency center. If you think your problems are an emergency, you should call 911 and ask for ambulance transport to the closest emergency room.

What if I have an allergy to certain medications?

You provide a brief history of allergies to medications in our questionnaire, your responses are reviewed and are used when the physician is considering which antibiotic is the most appropriate treatment for your UTI.

What can I do to help prevent recurrent bladder infections (UTIs)?

1. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to help flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
2. Urinate often (this helps to flush bacteria from the urinary tract).
3. Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This reduces the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
4. Do not douche or use perfumed or scented feminine hygiene products.
5. Avoid taking bubble baths (sitting in unsanitary water can make it easy for bacteria to get into places it shouldn’t be).
6. If you use a diaphragm as birth control and have recurrent UTIs, consider another method of contraception.
7. Wash the pubic area daily with water and a mild (unscented, dye-free) soap. Be sure to rinse and dry well.
8. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight and constrictive clothing. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist places. Breathable clothing can help keep bacteria from flourishing down there.
9. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks. These drinks cause dehydration by blocking the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that is necessary for water reabsorption.
10. While it is commonly believed that cranberry juice or cranberry tablets taken daily may help prevent urinary tract infections from occurring, there are no studies that prove this. Cranberry products cannot cure a UTI, however they are packed with vitamin C, which has been shown to boost the immune system.
11. Urinate before and after intercourse to help rid the area of bacteria that may be introduced during sex.

What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI?

1. Burning, stinging, or pain during urination.
2. An increased frequency of urination, often with only a small amount of urine.
3. Having the urge to urinate, but not being able to pass much urine.
4. Urine may appear cloudy, have a reddish color, or have an unusual smell.
5. Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure.

What if my child has symptoms of UTI?

Children are not candidates to be treated through UTItreatment.com. UTIs in children are of special concern. Children with UTIs should be taken immediately to see their pediatrician or other healthcare provider. In children, infections in the lower urinary tract (bladder) are much more likely to spread to the kidneys than in adults. Kidney infections in children can lead to scarring of the kidneys and possibly, with recurring infections, lead to kidney disease and kidney failure. UTItreatment.com can only treat individuals who are 18 or older.

What if I am pregnant and think I might have a bladder infection?

Pregnant women are not candidates to be treated through UTItreatment.com, as pregnant women are more likely to get urinary tract infections (UTIs) than non-pregnant women. UTIs are of special concern during pregnancy and could be associated with premature labor and pregnancy loss. Pregnant women with signs or symptoms of urinary tract infections should contact their obstetrician immediately.

Will the antibiotics prescribed by the physician increase my chances of getting pregnant if I am on birth control pills?

The antibiotics that are prescribed are unlikely to decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. However, our physicians recommend continuing your birth control as prescribed and also using condoms or other contraceptive measures to prevent the risk of pregnancy while taking antibiotics as a precautionary method.

Does UTItreatment.com take health insurance

UTItreatment.com does not participate in any insurance plans or programs, however, you may use your insurance coverage at the pharmacy to pay for part or all of your prescription. Your medication may be covered depending on the terms of your coverage.

We do accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) as payment options upon checkout, and you will be issued a receipt for the doctor’s services that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Am I able to speak with a physician directly?

Yes, in fact, the doctor will reach out directly to you via phone to discuss your symptoms and answer any UTI questions you may have. The physician may have questions for you in order to clarify your symptoms or medical history prior to making a diagnosis or providing treatment.