Urinary Tract Infection Care

> ⚠️ Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly the bladder (cystitis), causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

Common symptoms

A burning sensation when urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort, and — if the infection spreads to the kidneys — fever, back pain, and nausea.

General self-care measures

• Complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics exactly as directed, even after symptoms improve.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush the urinary system.
• Urinate when needed rather than holding it for extended periods.
• Consider urinating after sexual activity, which some people find reduces UTI frequency.

When to seek medical attention

• Symptoms of a UTI — most UTIs need a urine test and antibiotics rather than resolving on their own.
• Fever, back or side pain, chills, or nausea alongside urinary symptoms — can indicate the infection has spread to the kidneys, a more serious infection needing prompt treatment; see Urgent Emergency Care if severe.
• Frequent recurrent UTIs, which may need further evaluation.
• UTI symptoms during pregnancy, which need prompt treatment.
• Blood in the urine.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming symptoms will resolve without treatment — unlike some minor infections, most UTIs benefit from antibiotic treatment and can worsen (including spreading to the kidneys) if untreated.
• Stopping antibiotics early once symptoms improve — incomplete treatment risks relapse and doesn't fully clear the infection.
• Mistaking kidney infection symptoms (fever, back pain) for a routine bladder infection — these symptoms indicate the infection may have spread and need more urgent attention.

Learn more

• Urology Assessment for related urological assessment.
• Health Care for general navigation of health systems.