How to Quickly Cure a Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be extremely uncomfortable, so it’s no wonder that someone with it just wants to get well quickly. Prompt and prompt treatment is also important to prevent a UTI from developing into a more serious illness. Sometimes a UTI goes away on its own in four or five days, and there are many home remedies you can try. However, you should still go to a specialist to get the fastest and most thorough treatment. ^{[1] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Table of Contents

Seek medical treatment for a UTI

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bc/Treat-Cystitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-Cystitis-Step-1- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bc/Treat-Cystitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Treat- Cystitis-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Recognize the symptoms. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common, but very uncomfortable and inconvenient condition. A UTI is an infection of the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters), or the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), or both. ^{[2] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

With a urinary tract infection, you may feel a burning sensation while urinating and the need to urinate frequently.
You may also feel pain in your lower abdomen. ^{[3] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fc/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fc/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know the different symptoms of upper and lower urinary tract infections. Different forms of infection will have different symptoms. You should note the symptoms so that you can clearly describe them to your doctor in case you have to see a doctor. Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include: the need to urinate more often, cloudy or bloody urine, back pain, very strong-smelling urine, and generally feeling unwell. ^{[4] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

If you have an upper urinary tract infection, you may have a high fever (over 38 degrees Celsius).
You may also experience nausea and uncontrollable shivering.
Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea. ^{[5] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1f/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1f/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know when to seek specialist treatment. About 25-40% of mild UTIs will resolve on their own, however in more than half of cases patients put themselves at risk of complications by not seeking specialist treatment. You should make an appointment with your doctor right away if you have a UTI accompanied by a high fever or sudden worsening of symptoms. ^{[6] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Contact your doctor right away if you are pregnant or have diabetes.
You will get a clear diagnosis when you visit your doctor. You might think a UTI is a yeast infection or something else. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Your doctor may order a urine test to determine if you have a urinary tract infection and what type of bacteria is causing it. ^{[8] X Research Sources} These tests are usually completed in 48 hours.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a3/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a3/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Adhere to antibiotic therapy. A UTI is a bacterial infection, so antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are the most radical and most commonly used treatment. In particular, antibiotics are recommended for women with recurrent UTIs. A longer course of antibiotics can help prevent the infection from coming back. ^{[9] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Antibiotics commonly prescribed by doctors to treat UTIs are nitrofurantoin (brand names such as Furadantin, Macrobid, or Macrodantin), sulfamethoxazpe, and trimethoprim (brand names Bactrim or Septra). ^{[10] X Sources of study} However, ciprofloxacin (known as Cipro), fosfomycin (Monurp) and levofloxacin (Levaquin) are also indicated ^{[11] X Source of Study} .
In addition to antibiotics, AZO is an effective bladder pain reliever available without a prescription.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/db/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/db/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Complete course of antibiotics. Take antibiotics with a course of 1 to 7 days prescribed and recommended by your doctor. Most women are prescribed antibiotics for 3 to 5 days. Men are usually prescribed antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. Although symptoms usually clear up after three days of antibiotic treatment, it takes five days to kill off bacteria in the urinary tract. ^{[12] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Going to source} Men may take more days.

It is important that you take all the antibiotics prescribed, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Stopping antibiotics before the end of the course of treatment also means that you are not letting the antibiotic kill off the bacteria. ^{[13] X Research Source}
Contact your doctor again if you have finished your prescribed antibiotic but your symptoms continue, or you do not feel well after a few days. ^{[14] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Get-Rid-of-a-Runny-Nose-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-a-Runny-Nose-Step-19.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/Get-Rid-of-a-Runny-Nose- Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-Runny-Nose-Step-19.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be aware of possible complications. Severe urinary tract infections can cause serious complications, leading to kidney failure or blood poisoning. These complications are uncommon and often occur in patients with pre-existing health problems, such as diabetics. You’ll be more susceptible to complications and infections if you have a weak immune system. ^{[15] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Pregnant women with urinary tract infections are at risk for life-threatening complications and should always be checked by a doctor.
Men with urinary tract infections are at increased risk of developing prostatitis. ^{[16] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}
You may need to be hospitalized for an upper urinary tract infection, or if serious complications develop.
You will still be treated in hospital with antibiotics, but you will be closely monitored and may receive fluids. ^{[17] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Relieve UTI at home

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/41/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/41/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Drink a lot of water. Antibiotics are the only real cure for a UTI, but it usually takes a few days of treatment, during which time you can take steps to ease symptoms and reduce the chance of the infection returning. The easiest way is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, drinking a glass of water every hour. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

The bladder will be cleaned after each time you urinate, and this can help wash away bacteria. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Do not hold urine. Holding in urine can make a UTI worse because bacteria have a chance to grow.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cd/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px- Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cd/Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try drinking cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is often considered a home remedy for UTIs. Although there is little evidence that cranberry juice actually fights infections, it may prevent infection. ^{[20] X Source of Research} If you often have recurrent UTIs, try taking a higher dose of cranberry extract. ^{[21] X Research Sources} Like water, drinking plenty of other fluids also helps flush and cleanse your urinary system.

Do not drink cranberry juice if you or your family have a history of kidney infections.
Cranberry extract tablets should not be taken if you are taking blood thinners. ^{[22] X Research Source}
In theory, there is no prescribed dose for cranberry juice, as effectiveness has not been proven. ^{[23] X Research Sources}
One study found positive results in women who took one capsule of cranberry extract daily, or 240 ml of unsweetened cranberry juice, three times a day for a year. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Maintain hygiene

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0a/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast- Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Maintain good hygiene habits. In general, hygiene is still considered a preventative measure against urinary tract infections, but it is also an essential part of getting rid of an infection quickly. The more you practice good hygiene, the faster you’ll get better. ^{[29] X Research Sources}

Wipe from front to back every time you go to the bathroom. This is especially important for women. ^{[30] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a0/Treat-Cystitis-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-Cystitis-Step-10.jpg”,” bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a0/Treat-Cystitis-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Treat-Cystitis-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth” :460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Shower before and after intercourse. Sexual activity is one of the ways bacteria enter the urethra in women and reach the bladder. ^{[31] X Research Source} To prevent this, the genitals and anal area should be washed before and after sexual activity. Women should also urinate before and after intercourse. Avoid using moisturizing body lotions or massage oils as lubricants, unless they are confirmed to be safe. These products contain chemicals that can lead to infections.

Urinating after intercourse helps to empty the bladder and wash away bacteria. ^{[32] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
A UTI is not contagious, you can’t get it from other people. ^{[33] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b4/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid- of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b4/Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast- Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-UTI-Fast-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wear appropriate clothing. Certain types of clothing can make it difficult to cure a UTI. Tight, tight underwear made of air-tight material can increase humidity and create a favorable environment for bacteria in the area near the bladder. Therefore, you should wear cotton underwear instead of non-absorbent materials such as nylon. ^{[34] X Research Source}

Avoid tight underwear or shorts. Tight clothing can accumulate sweat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
While there is no cure, wearing the right underwear can prevent an infection from developing or getting worse.

Advice

Do not use moisturizing lotion or massage oil as a lubricant unless the product claims to be usable. The chemicals in some of these products can cause UTIs.
Apply heat to reduce discomfort. While it doesn’t cure a UTI, hot compresses can ease symptoms. The pack should be kept warm but not too hot and placed on the lower abdomen to relieve pressure, pain, and other discomfort associated with urinary tract infections.
Rest and drink plenty of water.
Don’t eat cranberries or take antibiotics on your own – it only helps temporarily, but will make the situation worse later! Drink 240 ml of water mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda, then every hour drink 240 ml of lemon juice. Bladder pain will soon be relieved.
Do not have sex while being treated for a UTI. You can cause new bacteria to enter your body and reduce your chances of a full recovery.
Take ibuprofen for pain relief during any treatment.
Drink plenty of water and take medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

Warning

You need professional help if you do not see significant improvement after applying home remedies within 24-36 hours.
Even a simple urinary tract infection can develop into deadly kidney disease if left untreated for a long time.
Taking cranberry daily is an effective preventative measure, but you need to be cautious about drinking cranberry juice when the infection is active.
Cranberry juice is highly acidic, so it can make a UTI worse. Acidic foods and drinks can also irritate an already inflamed bladder.
Even if home remedies seem to work, you should still consider getting a urine test to check again for bacteria.

Things you need

Cranberry juice southern Vietnam
Water
Vitamin C
Supplements with extracts of ranunculus, chrysanthemum and nettle
Cotton underwear
Large pants
Antibiotics

Steps