This Is How Long a UTI Should Last, According to Doctors
A constant urge to use the restroom that results in a burning sensation when urinating likely means you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Often painful and uncomfortable (to say the least), experiencing one of these types of infections will likely have you asking “how long does a UTI last?”—and we don’t blame you.
UTIs usually occur in the lower urinary tract and are caused by bacteria entering into the bladder from the vagina or rectum, according to Suzanne Bovone, M.D., board-certified OBGYN at Pediatrix Medical Group. “Risk factors include recent sex, use of spermicide alone or on condoms, as well as hormonal changes,” she says, adding that some of the most common symptoms include pain with urination, increased frequency of urination, and blood in urine.
How long does a UTI last?
UTIs can be painful, which is why many people may find themselves counting the days until it resolves. Despite some home remedies for UTIs offering symptom relief, infections must be treated with antibiotics for them to go away. The good news is that once treatment is started patients can expect to find relief within 48 to 72 hours, according to Dr. Bovone. “The burning symptoms of a UTI often lessen after the first dose,” she continues, adding that sometimes over-the-counter urinary pain relievers can also be helpful in providing relief.
How do you treat a UTI?
Typically, with antibiotics. But before you can begin treatment, Milan B. Shah, M.D., urologist and author, says it’s important to get a correct diagnosis. “Many symptoms, such as frequency and urgency may suggest a UTI, but may not actually be an infection,” he says. “According to the American Urological Association guidelines, clinicians should obtain urinalysis, urine culture, and sensitivity with each symptomatic acute cystitis ([inflammation of the blatter]) episode prior to initiating treatment in patients with recurrent UTIs,” he says.
Additionally, Dr. Shah says it’s important to address any underlying condition that may have caused the infection, especially in the case of a kidney or bladder stone, to stop repeat or worsening infections.
Once you have received a positive diagnosis and confirmed there are no other issues causing your UTI you can expect to be treated with antibiotics. “Many regimens are for three to five days,” adds Dr. Bovone. “Once the culture comes back, the bacteria is identified, and the correct antibiotic is noted.” If you happen to be given an antibiotic that ends up being resistant to the bacteria in your urine, she says your doctor will adjust your medication to find a more appropriate option.
How long does a complicated UTI last?
Some people may experience a complicated UTI. Dr. Bovone says a complicated UTI is one that is recurrent, involves the upper urinary tract (the kidneys), or occurs due to catheters, stones, and/or sepsis.
Additionally, those who are immunocompromised can also experience UTIs that are considered complicated. Alex Shteynshlyuger M.D., board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist and Director of Urology at New York Urology Specialists says that this may include those who have recently had an organ transplant, are undergoing dialysis, or those taking biological medications that suppress the immune system, among others. “Complicated UTIs usually require a longer course of treatment and they nearly always require antibiotic treatment and sometimes surgical intervention.”
A complicated UTI can also involve more than one bacterium, according to Dr. Shteynshlyuger. “Symptoms are more severe and can include fever, back pain, general malaise, and fatigue,” he continues. “Treatment may be 7-10 days and most of the time can be done as an outpatient but if necessary to treat the underlying cause (sepsis), IV antibiotics may be required.”
Can you make a UTI go away faster?
After you’ve been diagnosed and begun treatment you may be looking for a way to speed up relief. Dr. Shteynshlyuger says one way to feel better more quickly is to up your water intake. “Adequate hydration is important but drinking too much is not helpful, just makes you run to the bathroom, often exacerbating symptoms,” he adds.
Dr. Bovone seconds that advice, citing studies that have shown a reduction in recurrent UTIs when people aimed for 2 to 3 liters of fluid a day. But, you can probably stick with water, as the doctor says that cranberry products may not actually be effective at moving things along more quickly.
How long do UTIs last in men?
Men may experience fewer UTIs than women due o the fact that their urethra is longer. “The urethra is the tube that brings urine from the bladder to the outside,” Dr. Bovone explains, adding that in women it’s just 4 to 6 cm while in men it’s more like 18 to 20.
Unfortunately, men may experience a longer recovery time. “It is uncommon for men to have UTIs before the age of 50,” Dr. Shah explains. “As men age, however, benign prostatic hyperplasia can result in incomplete bladder emptying and serve as a nidus for bladder stones or urinary tract infections.”
As stated by the NIH, or National Institutes of Health, because uncomplicated urinary infection is rare in men, any male urinary infection is usually considered complicated, he continues. “With antibiotic treatment, a male UTI typically lasts three to seven days but can last several weeks.”
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