UTI symptoms, causes and treatment

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in part of your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, bladder and the tubes that connect them. Most UTIs happen in the bladder when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply.

UTIs are common, especially in women. They can be uncomfortable, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys. 

What causes a UTI?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, often E. coli, which normally lives in the gut. Bacteria can travel from the skin or rectal area into the urethra and move into the bladder.

Sex can increase the risk of a UTI because it can push bacteria toward the urethra. UTIs are also more common in women because the urethra is shorter, which gives bacteria a shorter distance to travel.

Other risk factors include dehydration, holding urine for long periods, pregnancy, menopause and certain birth control methods, such as diaphragms or spermicides. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.

What are UTI symptoms in women?

UTI symptoms can come on quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Burning or pain when you pee
• Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-tinged urine
• Fever or chills
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Pain in your lower belly, pelvis or back

Fever, chills or back pain may be signs that the infection has reached your kidneys. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

How does UTI treatment work?

UTI treatment depends on your symptoms, health history and test results. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and order a urine test to check for infection.

Many UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend medicine to help ease burning or bladder discomfort while the antibiotics begin working.

Not every urinary symptom is caused by a UTI, and not every infection needs the same treatment. That’s why it’s better to call your doctor than to self-treat, especially if symptoms are new, severe or keep coming back.

How do you get rid of a UTI fast?

The fastest way to treat a UTI is to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed, even if you start feeling better.

While you’re waiting for care or for medication to start working, drinking water may help dilute your urine and ease discomfort. You may also want to avoid caffeine and alcohol for a few days because they can irritate the bladder.

Some people use cranberry products to help prevent UTIs, especially if they get infections often. Cranberry juice is not a treatment for an active UTI, though. Once symptoms start, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

How can you prevent UTIs?

A few simple habits may help lower your risk of UTIs. Drink enough water, don’t hold urine for long periods and wipe front to back after using the bathroom. It may also help to pee after sex.

If you get UTIs often, talk to your doctor. Recurrent UTIs are common, and your doctor can help identify possible triggers and prevention options.

When should you see a doctor?

Call your doctor if you think you have a UTI, especially if symptoms are new, painful or not improving. You should also seek care promptly if you have fever, chills, back pain, nausea, vomiting or blood in your urine.

If you have frequent UTIs, don’t assume you have to live with them. Your doctor can help confirm what’s causing your symptoms and recommend treatment or prevention strategies.