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Speak to a board-certified doctor securely from your phone or computer and get an online prescription for UTI treatment. Antibiotics are extremely effective in treating UTIs and are often necessary to clear the infection before it spreads to the kidneys. Our doctors also write refills on existing medications.*

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Learn about UTIs (urinary tract infections)

A urinary tract infection or UTI happens when bacteria enter and travel up the urethra, infecting parts of the urinary tract. There are several types of UTIs depending on the part of the urinary tract that is infected (beginning from the urethra):

Urethritis refers to an infection of the urethra. The urethra is a tube through which bladder urine is passed outside the body.
Cystitis refers to an infection of the bladder. As the bacteria move up the urethra, they may infect the bladder.
Pyelonephritis, also referred to as a kidney infection, happens when the bacteria have moved up the urinary tract. It can also happen when a blockage in the urinary tract causes the urine to back up into the kidneys. This type of infection is rare.

UTI causes

A UTI is caused by bacteria that enter and infect the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The most typical cause of UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is commonly found in the digestive tract, but can also be present in the urinary tract. Other bacteria that can cause UTIs include Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus.

UTIs can occur when bacteria from the bowel or skin enter the urinary tract through the urethra. There are some things that can increase the risk of developing a UTI, including:

Being female: Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to having a shorter urethra, which makes it more common for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Sexual activity: Being sexually active can introduce an overgrowth of bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of a UTI.
Urinary tract abnormalities: Certain structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, including an enlarged prostate or kidney stones, can both increase the risk of UTIs.
Catheter use: Catheters are tubes inserted into the bladder to drain urine and can increase the risk of UTIs.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of UTIs by weakening the immune system and making it more difficult to fight infections.

Practicing good hygiene can prevent UTIs. This can include wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, staying hydrated, and urinating after sexual activity.

UTI symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI depend on the part of the urinary tract that is infected.

Urethra (urethritis symptoms)

Burning sensation during urination
Discharge

Bladder (cystitis symptoms)

Frequent urge to urinate despite having an empty bladder
Increase in urination frequency
Burning sensation during urination
Bloody urine
Pressure in pelvic region
Discomfort in lower abdomen

Kidneys (pyelonephritis symptoms)

High fever
Chills and shaking
Pain in the lower back or the side
Vomiting
Nausea

How to treat a UTI

UTI treatments usually consist of a round of antibiotics. After diagnosis, your doctor will evaluate the best treatment plan for you based on the type and severity of your urinary tract infection. Then, they will prescribe you UTI antibiotics such as trimethoprim, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, or others.

In addition to antibiotics, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing:

Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen or Tylenol, can help reduce pain and fever.
Urinate frequently: Urinating can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
Practice good hygiene: When using the bathroom, wash from front to back, avoid irritating feminine products, and wear loose-fitting clothing to help prevent UTIs.

If symptoms do not get better within three days of starting antibiotics, or if they worsen or new symptoms develop, it is vital to contact your doctor, as this may indicate a more severe or resistant infection.

UTI medication

Depending on the severity of your UTI, your healthcare provider may recommend the following medications:

Antibiotics

Several UTI antibiotics are available and will depend on your primary care physician's diagnosis.

Amoxicillin Doxycycline Keflex Cipro (ciprofloxacin) Flagyl (metronidazole) Levaquin Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) Bactrim

Fosfomycin

Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)

How to prevent UTIs

You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:

Stay well hydrated and drink water everyday
Take showers instead of baths
For females, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from going to the urethra
Urinate after sexual activity
Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area

However, note that there are some factors that can increase a person's risk of getting UTI:

Sex: Females tend to contract UTIs more commonly due to anatomy, as their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum.
Age: Young children and older adults have higher risks of developing UTIs.
Previous UTI: If you have contracted a UTI before, you are more likely to contract it again.
Pregnancy
Conditions that cause changes in bacteria in the vagina, such as menopause or the use of spermicides
Being sexually active
Structural issues with parts of the urinary tract, for example, if you have an enlarged prostate, you tend to have higher risk

When to see a doctor for UTI treatment

See your primary care physician when you experience symptoms of UTIs. UTIs are treatable with prescription antibiotics. Your doctor can determine if you have a UTI by performing one or more of the following:

Medical history review
Physical examination
Urinalysis, which involves collecting a urine sample and analyzing it with lab tests

For UTIs that keeps returning (also known as recurrent UTIs) despite antibiotics, your doctor may perform other tests to examine the structure of the urinary tract:

Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a viewing device is placed through the urethra to perform an internal examination.
Kidney and bladder ultrasound: These use sound waves to produce images of the bladder and kidneys. This test can be used to check for kidney stones, blockages, or a tumor.
Intravenous pyelogram: This refers to X-rays of the ureters, bladder, and kidney with the aid of a contrast dye. This test can reveal tumors, kidney stones, or blockages.

What to know about UTIs

What is the fastest way to cure a UTI?

Prescription UTI antibiotics is the fastest and most effective way to cure a UTI. They usually begin working quickly to take care of uncomfortable symptoms. UTI antibiotics can completely get rid of a urinary tract infection in a few days, but you may start feeling better sooner than that. After your diagnosis, one of our board-licensed doctors can prescribe UTI antibiotics online for treatment of UTI if you qualify.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

While antibiotics are often prescribed as a UTI treatment, an uncomplicated UTI may go away on its own. However, it is often more challenging to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can spread and cause kidney infections, which is why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

How long does it take for a UTI to turn into a kidney infection?

If a UTI is left untreated, the E. coli or other bacteria that caused your urinary tract infection can move farther up your urinary system. When they reach your upper urinary system (comprising the ureters and kidneys), you may experience a kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis.

Most people seek medical help and receive treatment before they get to this point.

The progression to a kidney infection typically takes some time and doesn't happen immediately. However, the exact duration can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's immune system, the type of bacteria involved, and other underlying health conditions.

How long does UTI back pain last?

Minor back pain may accompany UTIs. Once antibiotics are started, you should feel better within 12 to 24 hours.

However, untreated UTIs can cause severe infection and complications. Constant, dull, or severe pain can signify a kidney infection. Unlike muscular pain, this pain will be persistent and unrelieved by any alleviating factors. UTI back pain will last until you begin antibiotic treatment for your UTI.

A UTI that has spread to the kidneys is a serious infection that will typically not go away on its own. It's extremely dangerous for an infection of this nature to go untreated.

If you are experiencing back pain from a UTI speak to one of our doctors immediately, as you'll likely need antibiotics.

UTIs typically cause lower abdominal pain and not back pain. Lower abdominal pain can last 2-3 days with a UTI and longer for untreated UTIs.

Do you need a prescription for UTI antibiotics?

Yes, you need a prescription for effective UTI treatment. UTIs are most often treated with antibiotics. Our board-certified doctors can diagnose and treat UTIs online. The UTI diagnosis can often be done without taking urine samples, but if needed, one of our physicians can order the necessary tests at your local lab.

Request antibiotics for treatment from one of our top doctors at PlushCare today. You can then pick up your prescriptions at your local pharmacy.

When do antibiotics start working for a UTI?

UTI antibiotics can treat UTIs fast, and some people may feel symptom relief in a matter of hours. Typically, you should start to feel better within 48 hours of starting your treatment.

Even if you feel better, continue and finish the whole course of antibiotics to ensure that the bacteria is completely eradicated. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 48 hours, it may be likely that you are not suffering from a bacterial infection. You should talk to your prescribing doctor for follow-up treatment.

How do you get rid of lower back pain from a UTI?

Antibiotic treatment can resolve back pain from a UTI within 12 to 24 hours of beginning treatment. In the meantime, a heat pack can be applied to the perineum area, lower abdomen, or lower back to help relieve pain and spasms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it's important to consult with a doctor before taking any, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

How long can a urinary tract infection last without treatment?

Urinary tract infections can last a week, but often even longer without proper treatment. Left untreated, a UTI could spread to the kidney and cause serious consequences. This is why it is important to speak to a doctor to treat urinary tract infections as soon as possible.

Can I get over the counter medication for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

While some products advertise relief from bladder discomfort or pain associated with UTIs, they are not a cure and cannot treat the infection itself. UTI's are caused by bacteria and can become more serious if left untreated. Your doctor can also confirm a that you have a UTI through a urine test and identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. Depending on the bacteria that cause the infection or the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend different types, doses or length of treatment with antibiotics. Your doctor can also help determine if your UTI is caused by any underlying health conditions, such as kidney stones.

Our board-certified physicians are available 24/7 for convenient online doctor consultations. You can discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get a prescription for the right antibiotics – all from the comfort of your home or office.

Step 1

Book a UTI consultation appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your UTI concerns or symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat your UTI.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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Related conditions to UTIs

The following conditions are related to UTIs:

Vesicoureteral reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a medical condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and sometimes into the kidneys. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney damage.

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is a medical condition in which urine accumulates in the kidneys, causing them to swell. It occurs when urine flow is blocked or obstructed in some way, preventing urine from draining properly from the kidneys to the bladder.

Hydronephrosis can lead to several symptoms, including pain in one side or back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure if left untreated.

Vaginal yeast infections

A vaginal yeast infection is a typical fungal infection that affects the vagina and vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast typically found in small amounts in the vagina.

Vaginal yeast infections may present with similar symptoms to urinary tract infections. Some of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching and burning around the vulva, redness, and a thick, white discharge that may look like cottage cheese. Some women also experience pain during sex or urination.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Many STDs can cause symptoms similar to urinary tract infections. These include:

Chlamydia: Chlamydia is an STD that can cause pain or burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge.
Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is another common STD that can cause similar symptoms to chlamydia, including painful urination and discharge.
Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that can cause vaginal discharge, itching, and pain during urination.
Genital herpes: Herpes is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or sores on the genitals and pain or burning during urination.
Mycoplasma genitalium: Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection that can cause similar symptoms to chlamydia, including pain or burning during urination and discharge.

It is vital to note that while these STDs can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, they are not the same issue and require different treatments. See one of our doctors for an accurate diagnosis to be given the appropriate treatment plan for your symptoms.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Urinary Tract Infections." Johns Hopkins Medicine, Accessed October 5, 2023, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/urinary-tract-infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Urinary Tract Infection Basics" CDC, Accessed June 17, 2024, at https://www.cdc.gov/uti/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html
Foxman, Betsy, et al. "The epidemiology of urinary tract infection." Nature Reviews Urology, vol. 13, no. 11, 2016, pp. 653-660. PubMed Central, Accessed October 5, 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/.

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.