If you develop a UTI you will likely feel a burning sensation when you urinate as well as a need to urinate often. You may also feel pain in your lower abdomen. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you have an upper UTI you may experience a high temperature (over 38 degrees C, or 100 Fahrenheit). You may also be nauseous, and shiver uncontrollably. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you are pregnant or diabetic you should contact your doctor immediately. Going to see a doctor will enable you to get a precise diagnosis. What you think is a UTI could be a yeast infection or something else. [7] X Research source Your doctor will likely have you take a urine test to determine if you have a UTI and what bacteria might be causing it. These cultures usually take 48 hours to complete.
Antibiotics typically prescribed to treat a UTI are nitrofurantoin (branded as Furadantin, Macrobid, or Macrodantin), and sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim (branded as Bactrim, or Septra). [9] X Research source However, ciprofloxacin (known as Cipro), fosfomycin (known as Monurol) and levofloxacin (known as Levaquin) are also prescribed[10] X Research source . In addition to antibiotics, AZO is an over the counter bladder analgesic that can help.
It is vital that you finish all of the antibiotics that your doctor prescribes unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you stop taking your antibiotics before the course is over, you’re not allowing the antibiotics to completely kill the bacteria. [12] X Research source If your symptoms continue after you have taken all your antibiotics, or you don’t feel any better after a few days, contact your doctor again. [13] X Research source
Pregnant women with UTIs are at risk for life-threatening complications and should always be examined by a physician. Men who have recurrent UTIs are at risk of developing inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source You may require hospital treatment for a severe upper UTI, or if there are complications. This will still involve antibiotics, but you will be closely monitored and perhaps put on a drip to keep you hydrated. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
When you urinate your bladder is cleansed, and this can help flush out bacteria. [18] X Research source Do not hold in your urine. Holding in your urine can cause the UTI to get worse, by encouraging the bacteria to breed.
Do not take cranberry juice if you or your family has a history of kidney infection. You should not take cranberry juice capsules if you are taking blood-thinning medication. [21] X Research source There is no medically specified dose of cranberry juice to take, as its effectiveness is not proven. [22] X Research source One study found positive results for women who took either one tablet of concentrated cranberry juice a day, or drank 8oz of unsweetened cranberry juice three times a day for a year. [23] X Research source
Try a 500mg dose every hour, but stop if your bowel movements become loose. [25] X Research source You can combine vitamin C supplements with mild anti-inflammatory teas, such as goldenseal, echinacea, and nettle. If the symptoms persist after a few days, go to the doctor regardless.
You should also avoid soft drinks that contain citrus juices until after your UTI has cleared. [27] X Research source Restricting caffeine and alcohol in your diet can also be used as a preventative measure against future UTIs if you are susceptible to these infections.
Wipe from the front to the back after using the bathroom. This is especially important for women, who should always wipe from front to back. [29] X Research source
Urinating after intercourse empties the bladder and flushes out bacteria. UTIs are not infectious, and you cannot catch one from somebody else. [31] X Research source
Avoid tight-fitting pants or shorts. Tight garments can cause sweat and moisture to build up, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Wearing the right underwear can help prevent infections developing or worsening, but it won’t cure them.
