A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can affect any part of your urinary system, including your bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. UTIs are more common in women than in men, and they can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli).
UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, and they can lead to serious health problems if they are not treated promptly. Symptoms of a UTI can include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. If you think you may have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor right away.
If you are diagnosed with a UTI, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to take all of your medication as directed, even if you start to feel better. If you do not take all of your medication, the infection may come back.
How to Get Rid of a UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and can be painful. Here are 8 important points to help you get rid of a UTI:
- See a doctor right away.
- Take antibiotics as prescribed.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Urinate frequently.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Use a heating pad.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Get plenty of rest.
If you have recurrent UTIs, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent them.
See a doctor right away.
If you think you may have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor right away. UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, and they can lead to serious health problems if they are not treated promptly.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
The sooner you start treatment for a UTI, the less likely you are to develop complications, such as a kidney infection, sepsis, or permanent kidney damage.
- Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for UTIs.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection. It is important to take all of your medication as directed, even if you start to feel better.
- Home remedies can help relieve symptoms.
While you are taking antibiotics, you can try some home remedies to help relieve your symptoms. These remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, urinating frequently, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, using a heating pad, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Recurrent UTIs may require additional treatment.
If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may recommend additional treatment, such as long-term antibiotics or surgery.
If you have any of the symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or pelvic pain, see a doctor right away.
Take antibiotics as prescribed.
Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for UTIs. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are specifically designed to kill the bacteria that is causing your infection. It is important to take all of your medication as directed, even if you start to feel better.
- Finish the entire course of antibiotics.
Even if you start to feel better after a few days, it is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping your medication early can allow the infection to come back.
- Take your antibiotics at the same time each day.
This will help to keep a steady level of medication in your body and ensure that the infection is treated effectively.
- Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
Some people experience side effects from antibiotics, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you have any side effects, talk to your doctor.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
Antibiotics are only effective against the specific bacteria that is causing your infection. Sharing your antibiotics with others can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make it more difficult to treat infections in the future.
If you have any questions about taking your antibiotics, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Drinking plenty of fluids is important for overall health, but it is especially important when you have a UTI. Fluids help to flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection and can help to relieve symptoms, such as pain and burning during urination.
When you have a UTI, aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water per day. You can also drink other fluids, such as cranberry juice, lemonade, or herbal tea. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can irritate the bladder and make symptoms worse.
Here are some additional tips for staying hydrated when you have a UTI:
- Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day so that you can sip on it regularly.
- Set a timer to remind yourself to drink water every hour or two.
- Add flavor to your water by adding slices of fruit or cucumber.
- Make a pitcher of lemonade or herbal tea and keep it in the refrigerator so that it is always cold and refreshing.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help to speed up your recovery from a UTI. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent future UTIs.
Urinate frequently.
Urinating frequently can help to flush out the bacteria that is causing the UTI and can help to relieve symptoms, such as pain and burning during urination. Aim to urinate every two to three hours, even if you don't feel the urge to go.
Here are some additional tips for urinating frequently:
- Set a timer to remind yourself to urinate every two to three hours.
- Go to the bathroom before and after sex.
- Empty your bladder completely each time you urinate.
- Do not hold your urine for long periods of time.
Urinating frequently can help to speed up your recovery from a UTI. It is also important to urinate frequently to prevent future UTIs.
If you have difficulty urinating or if you experience pain or burning during urination, talk to your doctor right away.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the bladder and make symptoms of a UTI worse. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it increases the flow of urine. This can make it more difficult to hold your urine and can lead to more frequent urination. Alcohol can also irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra, which can make symptoms of a UTI more painful.
- Caffeine can worsen symptoms of a UTI.
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it increases the flow of urine. This can make it more difficult to hold your urine and can lead to more frequent urination. This can irritate the bladder and make symptoms of a UTI worse.
- Alcohol can irritate the bladder and urethra.
Alcohol can irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra, which can make symptoms of a UTI more painful.
- Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you.
Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate you. Dehydration can make it more difficult for your body to fight off the infection.
- Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with antibiotics.
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics. This can make the antibiotics less effective in treating the UTI.
It is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol altogether while you are being treated for a UTI. Once you have recovered from the infection, you can start to drink caffeine and alcohol again in moderation.
Use a heating pad.
Applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a UTI. The heat can help to relax the muscles in your bladder and urethra, which can make it easier to urinate. It can also help to increase blood flow to the area, which can help to fight the infection.
To use a heating pad for a UTI:
- Place the heating pad on your lower abdomen or back.
- Turn the heating pad on to the lowest setting.
- Apply the heating pad for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
You can also use a warm bath or shower to help relieve pain and discomfort caused by a UTI. The warm water can help to soothe the irritated tissues and relax the muscles in your bladder and urethra.
If you have a fever or if your symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor before using a heating pad or taking a warm bath or shower.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by a UTI. These medications can also help to reduce fever and inflammation.
When choosing an over-the-counter pain reliever for a UTI, it is important to choose one that is safe for use with antibiotics. Some pain relievers, such as aspirin, can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics. It is also important to follow the dosage instructions on the medication label.
Here are some tips for taking over-the-counter pain relievers for a UTI:
- Choose a pain reliever that is safe for use with antibiotics.
- Follow the dosage instructions on the medication label.
- Take the pain reliever with food or milk to help reduce stomach upset.
- Do not take pain relievers for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.
If you have severe pain or if your symptoms do not improve after taking over-the-counter pain relievers, talk to your doctor.
Get plenty of rest.
When you are sick with a UTI, it is important to get plenty of rest. Rest helps your body to heal and fight off the infection. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- See a doctor if you have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
Getting plenty of rest can help you to feel better faster and recover from your UTI more quickly.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get rid of a UTI:
Question 1: How long does it take to get rid of a UTI?
Answer 1: With treatment, most UTIs can be cured within a few days. However, it is important to take all of your medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better, to prevent the infection from coming back.
Question 2: What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Answer 2: Symptoms of a UTI can include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic pain.
Question 3: How can I prevent UTIs?
Answer 3: There are a number of things you can do to prevent UTIs, including drinking plenty of fluids, urinating frequently, wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, and avoiding using harsh soaps or douches.
Question 4: When should I see a doctor for a UTI?
Answer 4: You should see a doctor right away if you think you may have a UTI. UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful, and they can lead to serious health problems if they are not treated promptly.
Question 5: What are some home remedies for a UTI?
Answer 5: There are a number of home remedies that can help to relieve symptoms of a UTI, including drinking plenty of fluids, using a heating pad, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Question 6: What are some risk factors for UTIs?
Answer 6: Some risk factors for UTIs include being female, having a history of UTIs, being sexually active, using spermicide, and having a weakened immune system.
If you have any other questions about UTIs, talk to your doctor.
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of a UTI:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of a UTI:
Tip 1: Drink plenty of cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice is a natural diuretic, which means that it helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. It also contains compounds that can help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder.
Tip 2: Eat yogurt or take a probiotic supplement.
Yogurt and probiotics contain live bacteria that can help to keep the urinary tract healthy. These bacteria can help to crowd out harmful bacteria and prevent them from causing an infection.
Tip 3: Wear loose-fitting clothing.
Tight-fitting clothing can irritate the urethra and make it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help to keep the area clean and dry.
Tip 4: Practice good hygiene.
Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and washing your hands frequently can help to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
Following these tips can help you to get rid of a UTI more quickly and prevent future infections.
If you have tried these tips and your symptoms do not improve, or if you have severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, or flank pain, see a doctor right away.
Conclusion
UTIs are common and can be uncomfortable and painful. However, they can be treated and cured with antibiotics. It is important to see a doctor right away if you think you may have a UTI to prevent serious health problems.
Here are some key points to remember about how to get rid of a UTI:
- See a doctor right away.
- Take antibiotics as prescribed.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Urinate frequently.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Use a heating pad.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Get plenty of rest.
Following these tips can help you to get rid of a UTI more quickly and prevent future infections.
If you have recurrent UTIs, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent them.