UTI treatment: what works and what to do first
About half of all women will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point. If you feel the sudden urge to pee all the time, burning when you urinate, or lower belly pain, it could be a UTI. Don’t panic — many UTIs clear quickly with the right care. Here’s a simple, useful plan so you know what to try and when to see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
If you have fever, chills, back pain, blood in urine, nausea, or you’re pregnant, get medical help right away. These signs can mean a more serious infection. Also see a doctor if symptoms don’t improve within 48–72 hours, if you get UTIs often, or if you’re a man or have diabetes. Doctors usually do a urine dip or send a urine culture to confirm the bug and pick the best antibiotic.
Treatment options and home relief
Antibiotics are the main treatment for most uncomplicated UTIs. Common choices your doctor may prescribe include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or fosfomycin. Local guidelines and resistance patterns matter, so the specific drug and length of treatment can vary. Typical courses are short — a few days for simple bladder infections — but the doctor will advise what’s right for you.
While waiting for care or to ease symptoms, try these practical steps:
- Drink water. Extra fluids help flush bacteria from the bladder.
- Use a heating pad on the lower belly for pain relief.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods until you feel better — they can irritate the bladder.
- Phenazopyridine can relieve burning and urgency for a day or two; follow package directions and check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Don’t use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s prescription. That raises the risk of resistance and may not treat the right bacteria.
If you get UTIs repeatedly, ask your doctor about prevention strategies. Options include post-sex antibiotics for women whose infections follow intercourse, short low-dose antibiotic courses for frequent recurrences, or targeted therapy based on urine cultures. Some people find cranberry products or specific probiotic strains help reduce episodes — evidence is mixed, but they are generally low risk. Talk to your clinician about what may work in your case.
For children, older adults, people with catheters, or anyone with unusual symptoms, testing and tailored treatment are essential. UTIs can be straightforward, but they can also signal a more serious problem if not treated correctly.
If you’re unsure what to do right now, call a local clinic or a pharmacist. They can often advise next steps quickly and point you to urgent care if needed.
Act early, follow the prescribed treatment, and use prevention tips to lower the chance of another infection.
