Burning when you pee, feeling like you have to go all the time, and pressure in your lower abdomen can all be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a UTI, the answer depends on the cause. Most bacterial UTIs need antibiotics to clear the infection. Home remedies may help ease symptoms, but they usually won’t get rid of the bacteria.
A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and start growing. The infection can affect the bladder, urethra, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract. Women get UTIs more often than men because the female urethra is shorter. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
How To Get Rid of a UTI
Most UTIs need antibiotics to treat the infection. Once you start treatment, symptoms often begin to improve within a few days. Even if you start feeling better, it’s important to finish the entire prescription. Stopping treatment too soon can allow bacteria to remain in the urinary tract and cause the infection to return.
The type of antibiotic your doctor prescribes depends on several factors, including:
- Your symptoms
- Your medical history and any allergies
- Whether the infection appears limited to the bladder
- Whether the kidneys may also be involved
In some cases, your doctor may order a urine culture. This test identifies the bacteria causing the infection and helps your doctor choose the right antibiotic.
Can a UTI Go Away Without Antibiotics?
In some cases, a very mild bladder infection may improve on its own, especially in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant women. Drinking more water and urinating regularly may help the body clear bacteria from the urinary tract.
But many UTIs don’t go away without treatment. Left untreated, the infection can worsen as bacteria continue to multiply. What starts as a simple bladder infection can eventually spread to the kidneys and become much more serious.
It can be hard to tell whether a UTI will get better or worse. If you think you have a UTI, contact a healthcare provider.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
UTI symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs include:
- Burning or pain during urination
- Feeling like you need to urinate all the time
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong or unusual odor
Some people also experience pelvic discomfort or irritation that doesn’t go away after using the bathroom.
What Helps Ease UTI Symptoms?
Home remedies and over-the-counter products can help relieve symptoms. But they usually won’t cure the infection.
Some options include:
- Drinking more water
- Urinating when you feel the urge instead of holding it
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen
- Using phenazopyridine to reduce urinary burning and discomfort
Drinking more water can sometimes flush bacteria from the urinary tract and keep urine from sitting in the bladder for long periods.
You may also hear about cranberry juice or cranberry supplements. These products may help lower the risk of future UTIs in some people, but they aren’t considered a reliable treatment for an active infection.
What Happens if a UTI Is Left Untreated?
An untreated UTI can spread from the bladder to the kidneys. This type of infection is called pyelonephritis and requires prompt medical care.
Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in the side or back
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Without treatment, a kidney infection can become serious. In some cases, it can lead to sepsis. Sepsis happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection. It can damage organs and become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Some people get UTIs again and again. These recurrent infections may become harder to treat over time.
When Should You See a Doctor for a UTI?
You should contact a doctor if your UTI symptoms:
- Aren’t improving
- Keep coming back
- Become more painful
- Interfere with your daily life
Seek medical care right away if you develop:
- Fever
- Shaking or chills
- Vomiting
- Severe pain
- Confusion
- Weakness
A urologist can determine whether a UTI is causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment.
If infections keep coming back, your doctor may order tests to check for problems in the bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract. Treating the underlying cause can help prevent future infections and complications.
How To Get Rid of a UTI and Avoid Complications
Most UTIs require antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading. Drinking more water and using over-the-counter products can help ease symptoms. But they usually won’t get rid of the bacteria causing the infection. If your symptoms aren’t improving, keep coming back, or become more severe, it’s time to seek medical care.
If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms in Charlotte, NC, or Columbia, SC, the doctors at Carolina Urology Partners can help. They can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the right treatment.
Whether this is your first UTI or a recurring infection, early treatment can help prevent complications and get you feeling better sooner. Schedule an appointment today.
