Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and usually easy to treat. If you have burning when peeing, frequent urges, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, this guide shows clear options for treatment, home care, and when to see a doctor.
First, know if your UTI is uncomplicated. Uncomplicated UTIs affect healthy non-pregnant women and are often limited to the bladder. Men, pregnant people, children, those with diabetes, kidney problems, or recent urinary procedures need a medical workup. If you fall into those groups, get tested rather than self-treat.
Antibiotics are the main cure. Common choices include nitrofurantoin (often five days), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (usually three days for uncomplicated cases), and fosfomycin (single dose). Local resistance patterns matter, so doctors pick drugs based on symptoms and urine testing when needed. Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin work well but are used less now because of side effects and resistance.
For quick symptom relief, phenazopyridine is an over-the-counter option that eases burning and urgency for up to two days. It turns urine orange and can mask symptoms, so use it only short-term and follow the package directions.
Drink water to stay hydrated — it helps flush bacteria. Avoid alcohol and caffeine while symptoms are active because they can irritate the bladder. Unsweetened cranberry products may help prevent recurrences for some people, though research shows modest benefit. Probiotics containing lactobacillus can support vaginal and urinary health for some women, but they are not a substitute for antibiotics during active infection.
See a clinician right away if you have fever, chills, flank pain, nausea or vomiting, severe lower belly pain, blood in urine, or if symptoms get worse despite treatment. These signs can mean the infection reached the kidneys or is more serious. Also seek care if you have three or more UTIs in a year — you may need further testing, preventive strategies, or a different antibiotic plan.
For recurrent UTIs, doctors may use urine cultures, ultrasound, or other tests to find an underlying cause. Preventive options include low-dose antibiotics after sex for those with postcoital infections, daily preventive antibiotics for frequent recurrences, and behavioral changes like urinating after sex, wiping front to back, and avoiding spermicides.
Pregnant people with any UTI symptoms should contact their provider quickly — untreated UTIs raise risks during pregnancy and usually require antibiotic treatment chosen for safety in pregnancy.
Finally, don’t rely on antibiotics from unknown online sources. Use a licensed provider or pharmacy, and follow dosage instructions. If you’re unsure what to take, call your healthcare provider or a local urgent care for testing and a safe prescription.
What to expect: Most people start to feel better within 48 to 72 hours after starting antibiotics. Always finish the full course even if symptoms improve early — stopping early raises the chance of resistant bacteria. If symptoms don’t improve after three days, contact your provider for a urine culture or a different medicine. Never share antibiotics or use leftover pills; that can make future infections harder to treat.
Stay safe.
Looking for alternatives to ciprofloxacin? This article compares the top 7 options, giving you the pros and cons of each. You'll see how antibiotics like levofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin, and others stack up. Learn which drugs are better for UTIs, which come with fewer side effects, and what to ask your doctor. Whether you're dealing with resistance or just want safer choices, this guide gives you practical information you can actually use.