English-Speaking Urology Clinic

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, especially in women. Fortunately, most uncomplicated UTIs can be diagnosed and treated quickly with appropriate antibiotics.
If you develop urinary symptoms while traveling or living in Japan, our clinic provides English-friendly urological care for international visitors, expats, and residents.
In many cases, diagnosis and treatment can be completed on the same day.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder (cystitis).

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urination
• A sudden urge to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Women are more likely to develop UTIs because of their anatomy. Although less common, men can also develop urinary tract infections. When men develop urinary symptoms, additional evaluation may be necessary because prostatitis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
Our clinic can evaluate and treat both urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Traveling itself does not directly cause a urinary tract infection. However, factors associated with travel may increase the risk in some people, including:

• Dehydration
• Physical fatigue
• Stress
• Changes in daily routine
• Delaying urination during long journeys

Early diagnosis and treatment can usually prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

Not all urinary symptoms are caused by a urinary tract infection.
Several other conditions—including kidney stones, prostatitis, urethritis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—can cause similar urinary symptoms.
Our urologists will carefully evaluate your symptoms and perform appropriate tests to determine the correct diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

We can perform a urine test immediately during your visit.
The results are usually available within a few minutes, allowing your doctor to explain the findings during the same consultation. We review the results together using images displayed on a monitor so that you can better understand your condition.

If your symptoms recur, do not improve as expected, or the infection appears more complicated, we may recommend a urine culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection and determine the most appropriate antibiotic.

• Additional fee applies.
• Results are usually available in about one week.
• A follow-up visit is generally recommended to review the results.

Most uncomplicated urinary tract infections can be successfully treated with oral antibiotics.
Our clinic stocks many commonly prescribed antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Most patients can receive their medication before leaving the clinic, so in many cases there is no need to visit a separate pharmacy.
In some situations—such as drug allergies, resistant bacteria, or infections requiring specialized antibiotics—we may prescribe medication that should be filled at an outside pharmacy.

Most patients begin to feel better within 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Mild urinary discomfort may take a few more days to resolve completely. Even if your symptoms improve, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
If your symptoms become worse, do not improve within 48–72 hours, or return after treatment, please seek medical attention.
If you are still in Tokyo, you are welcome to revisit or contact our clinic. If you have traveled to another city or returned to your home country, please consult a local healthcare provider.

Please seek medical care promptly if you have:

• Fever or chills
• Severe pain in your back or side
• Vomiting
• Symptoms during pregnancy
• Feeling generally unwell

These symptoms may indicate a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which requires prompt medical treatment.

• Basic English support available on all clinic days
• English-speaking doctor available every Wednesday from 10:00 AM (Dr. Shigeta)
• Translation devices available when needed
• Rapid urine testing with same-day results
• Urine test results explained together using images on a monitor
• Same-day diagnosis and treatment in many cases
• In-clinic dispensing of many commonly prescribed antibiotics
• Conveniently located near Asakusa Station

Most urinary tract infections improve quickly when treated early.
If you think you may have a urinary tract infection, we encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Appointments can be made online, and walk-in patients are also welcome whenever possible.