Sexual Health › UTI Treatment
UTI Treatment in Busan
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in women. A simple urine test and a short course of antibiotics usually clear a bladder infection, and many Busan OB/GYN clinics treat UTIs alongside vaginal and STI concerns.
What a UTI is
Most UTIs are bladder infections (cystitis) caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra. Women get them more often than men because the urethra is shorter. Sex, dehydration, holding urine, spermicides, pregnancy and menopause can all raise the risk.
Symptoms
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Needing to urinate often and urgently, passing only small amounts
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or bloody urine
- Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
Burning on urination can also come from vaginal infections or STIs such as chlamydia, which is one reason an OB/GYN may check for these too.
What the visit involves
You give a clean-catch urine sample. A dipstick test gives quick results, and a urine culture may be sent to identify the bacteria and the best antibiotic, especially for recurrent or complicated infections. If symptoms suggest a vaginal cause, the doctor may also take a swab.
Treatment
Uncomplicated bladder infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics, and symptoms usually improve within a day or two. Finish the full course as prescribed. Pain relief and drinking plenty of water can help. If you get UTIs often, a doctor can discuss preventive options and check for underlying causes.
Prevention tips
- Drink enough fluids and do not hold urine for long periods
- Urinate soon after sex
- Wipe front to back
- Discuss vaginal estrogen with your doctor if UTIs started after menopause
Cost and insurance
Consultation, urine tests and antibiotics for a UTI are generally covered under National Health Insurance (NHI) with a co-payment. Without NHI, you pay the self-pay rate; ask the clinic for an estimate.
Tips for foreigners
- Bring your ARC or passport and call ahead for walk-in hours (1330 can interpret).
- Antibiotics need a prescription in Korea; fill it at a pharmacy near the clinic.
- Tell the doctor if you might be pregnant or have drug allergies.
See international patients .
Related
Elsewhere in Korea
When to get help sooner
Go to a doctor the same day, or an emergency room, if you have fever, chills, pain in your back or side, nausea or vomiting, which can mean a kidney infection. See a doctor promptly if you are pregnant, see blood in your urine, or symptoms do not improve within two days of antibiotics.
Busan clinics for UTI care
These clinics are listed in our directory with STD testing or extended hours. Call ahead to confirm hours.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaen OB/GYN Clinic | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | 051-804-3000 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Eroom Women's Clinic (Seomyeon) | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Mirae Women's Hospital | Gaegeum | 051-890-9999 | Sat, STD tests |
| Queens Park Women's Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-715-4100 | Delivers, Sat, STD tests |
| Eve & Adam Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-743-7585 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Samsung Jeil OB/GYN Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-747-3999 | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Sehwa Hospital | Oncheon-dong | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Mari Women's Clinic | Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) | 051-626-1009 | Sat, STD tests |
| She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic | Suyeong / Millak area | Not listed | Sat, STD tests |
| L Women's Clinic | Hadan-dong | 051-207-2727 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| The Mizwell OB/GYN Clinic | Hwamyeong-dong | 051-365-3575 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
UTI treatment FAQ
Should I see an OB/GYN or a urologist?
Either can treat a simple UTI. An OB/GYN can also check for vaginal infections and STIs. For repeated or complicated infections, a urologist may be involved.
Can I buy antibiotics at a pharmacy without a prescription?
No. Antibiotics require a doctor's prescription in Korea.
Is cranberry juice enough to treat a UTI?
No. Cranberry products have not been shown to treat an active infection. See a doctor for antibiotics.
Are UTIs dangerous in pregnancy?
They can lead to kidney infection and pregnancy complications, so pregnant women should be seen promptly and are usually screened during prenatal care.