Urinary tract infections: quick facts and what to do

A UTI can start as a burning pee or a sudden urge to go and, if ignored, can turn into a serious kidney infection. Many UTIs are caused by bacteria from the gut (E. coli is the most common). You don’t need to panic, but you do need clear steps: recognize symptoms, get tested, take the right treatment, and use simple habits to prevent another episode.

Spotting a UTI and when to see a doctor

Common symptoms are burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, frequent trips to the bathroom, and lower belly pain. If you get fever, chills, nausea, back pain (flank pain), or vomiting, call your provider right away—those can mean the infection reached your kidneys. Pregnant people, people with diabetes, or anyone with a catheter should seek care early.

Your clinician will usually start with a urine dipstick or urinalysis in the office. That checks for blood, white blood cells and bacteria. If results are unclear or the infection is severe or recurrent, they will send a urine culture to identify the exact bacteria and the best antibiotic.

Treatment options that actually work

Most uncomplicated UTIs in women are treated with a short course of antibiotics. Common choices include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, or a single dose of fosfomycin. The right drug depends on local resistance patterns and your allergy history, so follow the prescriber’s advice. Finish the full course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If symptoms are mild, some people ask about delaying antibiotics. That’s reasonable only after discussing risks with a clinician. For kidney infection or high fever, start antibiotics immediately and consider urgent care.

For frequent recurrences (three or more a year), options include low-dose preventive antibiotics, postcoital single-dose antibiotics, or investigating possible causes like incomplete bladder emptying or kidney stones. A urologist can help with persistent problems.

Home measures help too: drink enough water to keep urine pale, pee when you feel the urge (don’t hold it), and empty your bladder after sex. Avoid irritants like douches or perfumed products around the genitals. Wipe front to back to reduce bowel-bacteria spread.

Supplements? Cranberry products and D‑mannose show mixed results—some trials report fewer recurrences in women prone to UTIs. Probiotics aimed at restoring vaginal flora may help some people, but evidence varies. Always discuss supplements with your clinician, especially if you’re pregnant or on other meds.

If you get UTIs often or symptoms don’t improve after treatment, ask for a urine culture, a kidney ultrasound, or a urology referral. Small changes and timely care usually stop a simple UTI from becoming a bigger problem. Want related guides or treatment details? Check our articles on bacterial causes and antibiotic options for practical next steps.