Do I Have a UTI? What You Can Do at Home and When to See a Virtual Care Provider

Kathleen Dempsey
Jul 28
2 min read

By Kathleen Dempsey, NP

Aviva Med Virtual Clinic

It’s summertime, and along with the sunshine and swimsuits comes something a little less fun, urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve ever had one, you know the feeling: that urgent, burning sensation when you pee, and the uncomfortable pressure in your lower belly. As a nurse practitioner in Ontario, I’ve been seeing a spike in bladder infections this season and you’re not alone.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

Common UTI symptoms to watch for
At-home remedies that may help
When it’s time to seek virtual care for a UTI
Why seeing an online provider is a safe, fast, and effective option

What is a UTI, and Why Are They So Common?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria (most often E. coli) enter the urinary tract and multiply. Women are especially prone to UTIs due to a shorter urethra, meaning bacteria have a shorter path to the bladder. During the summer, increased sweating, dehydration, and prolonged time in wet bathing suits can increase your risk.

Signs You Might Have a UTI

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have a bladder infection:

Burning or pain while urinating
Frequent urge to urinate, even if little comes out
Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure
Cloudy, foul-smelling, or pink-tinged urine
Feeling tired or unwell

These are signs of a lower UTI (bladder infection). If your symptoms include fever, chills, mid-back pain, or vomiting, this could indicate a more serious kidney infection—you should seek care right away.

What You Can Do at Home

If you catch symptoms early, there are steps you can take at home that might help ease discomfort:

1. Drink more water

Aim for 2 litres per day or more. Staying hydrated helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract.

2. Use cranberry supplements, not juice

Cranberry capsules or tablets are more effective than juice, which often contains sugar that can feed bacteria.

3. Choose Tylenol over Advil

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is gentler on your kidneys, which can already be under strain during an infection. NSAIDs (like Advil) are not always recommended if there's risk of kidney involvement.

4. Apply warmth

A warm compress or heating pad on your lower belly can help relieve pressure and discomfort.

When to See a Virtual Provider

If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or include red flags like fever or visible blood in your urine, it's time to seek professional care.

At Aviva Med Virtual Clinic, I can assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, prescribe antibiotics for a UTI—all from the comfort of your home. I’m a licensed nurse practitioner in Ontario, offering timely, compassionate care with no wait rooms, no travel, and no stress.

Why Choose Virtual Care for UTIs?

✅ Fast treatment - same-day appointments

✅ No travel - perfect when you're feeling crummy

✅ Licensed provider - Ontario-based nurse practitioner

✅ Simple and secure platform

Whether you’re dealing with a summer UTI or just want peace of mind, I’m here to help.

Book Your Virtual UTI Assessment Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Click here to book your virtual appointment at AvivaMed.ca and get back to feeling like yourself.