You Can Finally Test for a UTI — At Home

You Can Finally Test for a UTI — At Home

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.

Meghan McCarthy

Maternie was founded in 2017 by Meghan McCarthy. Meghan has spent her career digging through information and breaking it down for readers. After spending seven years reporting on Capitol Hill, Meghan co-founded at Morning Consult, where she built and led the company's content operation. She also helped build and lead Courier Newsroom, a progressive media organization. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Atlantic, NPR, and other national news outlets.