Anyone who has had one urinary tract infection (UTI) knows the tell-tale signs of another: the unmistakable burning sensation when you pee, feeling like you really have to go but then you can’t. Second to that pain is knowing what’s coming — having to figure out how to get to the doctor so you can get a prescription for antibiotics.
One company is trying to make that last part less painful. AZOVA Health, a diagnostics company, has introduced the “UTI Telehealth Bundle” at Walmart.com and in some Walmart stores. The bundle comes with two UTI test strips and a telehealth voucher so you can consult with a healthcare provider remotely, if needed.
The bundle costs just under $50 online. The strips will show if your urine has leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrite, two markers that are typically seen in a UTI. If your test is positive, you can scan the QR code in the bundle and get a telemedicine visit at no additional charge with a provider who can write you a prescription for antibiotics or other treatments.
The odds of a woman developing a urinary tract infection in her lifetime is over 50%, and roughly 25% of women experience recurrent infections, according to research from the American Urological Association.
