Adult UTI Treatment (Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis) in Texas
Fast MD-only UTI care by video, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Burning with urination, urinary urgency, and frequent small trips to the bathroom are common signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Most uncomplicated bladder infections in healthy nonpregnant adults can be safely treated by telehealth. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to confirm uncomplicated cystitis and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.
- Board-certified MD every visit
- Video-only care, no waiting rooms
- $49 flat fee, no insurance needed
- Antibiotics prescribed when medically appropriate
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system and multiply, most commonly in the bladder. In otherwise healthy nonpregnant adults, this is called acute uncomplicated cystitis. Typical symptoms include burning with urination (dysuria), urinary urgency, and urinary frequency. Mild lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort is also common.
TeleDirectMD focuses on acute uncomplicated cystitis in adults. During your secure video visit, a TeleDirectMD physician confirms that your symptoms fit this pattern and screens for warning signs of a more serious infection that would require in-person care rather than telehealth alone. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, send prescriptions to your local Texas pharmacy.
Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags
Many urinary symptoms can be evaluated safely online, but some patterns suggest a kidney infection or another serious condition. The table below compares common findings.
| Symptom pattern | More likely uncomplicated bladder infection | Suggests more serious infection | Red flag (seek urgent in-person care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burning with urination | Mild to moderate burning that started recently | Severe pain not improving with time | Burning with visible blood clots or severe pelvic pain |
| Urinary frequency and urgency | Frequent small-volume urination with urgency and pressure | Frequency with minimal urine and significant pelvic pain | Inability to urinate at all or severe bladder pain |
| Blood in urine | Light pink or slightly red urine while otherwise stable | Increasing blood in urine over time | Heavy blood, clots, or blood with dizziness or weakness |
| Fever | No fever or low-grade fever only | Fever with generalized body aches | High fever with shaking chills and feeling very ill |
| Flank or back pain | No flank pain, only lower pelvic pressure | Mild back discomfort with urinary symptoms | Sharp or constant pain near one or both kidneys |
| Overall course | New urinary symptoms over several days in a well adult | Recurrent infections or symptoms not improving with treatment | Rapid worsening, confusion, or signs of sepsis |
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Age 18 or older
- Burning with urination
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Mild lower abdominal or pelvic pressure
- No flank pain over the kidneys
- No fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- No persistent vomiting
- Not pregnant
- Stable overall health and able to drink fluids
Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care
- Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C)
- Chills, shaking, or feeling very ill
- Sharp or persistent pain in the back or sides near the kidneys
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep down fluids or pills
- Heavy blood or blood clots in urine
- New UTI symptoms during pregnancy
- Known history of kidney stones with severe pain
- Significant immune compromise such as chemotherapy or transplant
- Confusion, lightheadedness, or feeling like you might pass out
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult UTIs
Supportive Care Measures
- Encouraging adequate hydration unless restricted for another condition
- Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and very acidic drinks
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen when appropriate
- Discussing short-term use of over-the-counter urinary pain relievers when safe, while emphasizing they do not treat the infection itself
When Antibiotics Are Appropriate
Antibiotics are used when your history and symptom pattern strongly support uncomplicated bacterial cystitis and there are no red flag signs of a kidney infection or other serious condition. During your video visit, your MD confirms that:
- You have typical urinary symptoms such as dysuria, urgency, and frequency
- You are not pregnant
- You do not have fever, flank pain, or systemic illness
- You do not have recent urologic surgery or known structural abnormalities that require in-person follow up
Common Adult Antibiotic Regimens When Indicated
| Antibiotic | Typical adult dose | Usual duration | When we use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrofurantoin monohydrate macrocrystals | 100 mg BID | 5 days | Common first-line option for uncomplicated cystitis when kidney function is adequate and there is no allergy. |
| Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole DS | 160/800 mg BID | 3 days | Alternative when local resistance risk is acceptable, there is no sulfa allergy, and medication interactions are reviewed. |
| Cephalexin | 500 mg QID | 5–7 days | Option when other agents are not suitable and there is no serious cephalosporin allergy. |
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are not used as a routine first-line choice for uncomplicated cystitis because of potential side effects and antibiotic stewardship principles. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for urinary symptoms.
Home Care Tips for UTI Symptoms
- Drink water regularly through the day unless restricted for another condition.
- Avoid delaying urination; empty your bladder when you feel the urge.
- Avoid bladder irritants such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, alcohol, and very spicy or acidic foods while symptoms are active.
- Consider wearing loose, breathable clothing and cotton underwear.
- Follow your MD’s directions for any prescribed medication and complete the full course.
Return to Work Guidance
Many adults can continue working or return to work once they feel well enough to perform their usual tasks, even while completing antibiotic treatment. If fever was present, being fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication is a reasonable threshold before returning to work in most settings. Your MD can provide a simple work note when medically appropriate. TeleDirectMD does not complete disability, FMLA, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.
TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based virtual urgent care for adults, including urinary tract infections, respiratory conditions, skin concerns, and medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD by secure video, with clear guidance for when in-person care is required instead of telehealth alone.
Adult UTI Questions and Answers
Can a doctor diagnose a UTI by video visit?
In many adults, yes. Acute uncomplicated cystitis is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and history. During your TeleDirectMD visit, an MD reviews your urinary symptoms, risk factors, and red flags to determine whether your illness fits uncomplicated cystitis or requires in-person evaluation.
Do I always need a urine test for a UTI?
Not always. For healthy nonpregnant adults with classic UTI symptoms, guidelines allow treatment without routine urine testing. Your MD may recommend testing if your symptoms are atypical, keep returning, or are not improving as expected.
How long does it take for antibiotics to work?
Many people notice improvement within 24–48 hours after starting the correct antibiotic. Burning and urgency often improve first, while mild pelvic pressure can take a bit longer. If your symptoms are worsening after 48 hours, or you develop fever, flank pain, or vomiting, you should seek in-person care promptly.
Can TeleDirectMD treat kidney infections?
No. Kidney infections require in-person evaluation, and some cases need IV fluids or antibiotics. If kidney infection is suspected based on fever, flank pain, or systemic illness, your MD will direct you to urgent care or an emergency department instead of managing the problem fully online.
Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Texas for UTI care?
Yes. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your visit and can access a local pharmacy, you can use TeleDirectMD for UTI evaluation. This includes adults in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and rural counties across the state.
Can pregnant patients use TeleDirectMD for UTI symptoms?
New UTI symptoms in pregnancy should be evaluated in person because the risks and treatment options are different. TeleDirectMD does not manage new UTIs in pregnant patients by telehealth.
Will I definitely get antibiotics during my visit?
Not necessarily. Antibiotics are prescribed when your history and symptoms strongly support uncomplicated bacterial cystitis. If another diagnosis seems more likely, or if red flag features are present, your MD may recommend testing or in-person evaluation instead of prescribing an antibiotic.
Can I get a work note for my employer?
Yes. When medically appropriate, your TeleDirectMD physician can provide a brief work note confirming that you were evaluated and outlining when it is reasonable to return to work. The service does not provide disability forms, FMLA paperwork, or detailed workplace accommodation letters.
Does TeleDirectMD take insurance for UTI visits?
TeleDirectMD visits are offered at a $49 flat fee and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy and laboratory costs are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on your coverage and preferences.
Who will I see during my online UTI visit?
All TeleDirectMD visits are provided by licensed physicians. You will see an MD, not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, for your UTI evaluation and treatment plan.