Hot showers can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with a UTI, such as bladder pressure and cramping, but they do not treat the underlying infection. Healthcare providers often recommend taking a shower instead of a bath to avoid potential irritation and bacterial growth that can occur when sitting in bathwater.
To relieve pain, take a hot bath or lay a heating pad set on low over your lower belly or genital area. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.
Drinking lots of water, and emptying your bladder when you need to, will help you flush harmful bacteria from your system. You may be hesitant to drink water due to the burning sensation you may have when peeing, but trust us on this – getting in your recommended 8 glasses a day will do you a world of good.
Antibiotics can be given for 7 or 14 days. Common choices for empiric oral treatment are a second- or third-generation cephalosporin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP).
As you wait for the antibiotics to kick in and relieve uncomfortable symptoms, you can:
Of course, make sure your bladder is completely empty before going to bed. You might also consider setting alarms during the night so that you can wake up and use the bathroom. Tools like a hot water bottle, heating pad, or even over-the-counter pain relievers can all help you with nighttime discomfort, too.
4 Things to Avoid When You Have a UTI
Yes, a mild UTI can sometimes go away on its own, especially in healthy adult women, with studies suggesting it happens in 20-40% of uncomplicated cases, but waiting is risky because the infection can spread to the kidneys, causing serious complications like kidney failure or sepsis. While some simple bladder infections might resolve within a week without antibiotics, seeking prompt medical care is always best to get a proper diagnosis and treatment, usually antibiotics, to clear the infection quickly and prevent severe issues.
Cloudy, foul-smelling pee. Urinary incontinence. Frequent urination.
“Patients can experience more UTIs during the summer due to inadequate fluid intake, especially in the historic heat waves we've been experiencing,” said Dr. Carmel, a urology specialist at UTSW, ranked No. 11 in the nation for urology care by U.S. News & World Report. “Dehydration is a leading risk factor for UTIs.”
Although a UTI makes it hurt to pee, drinking lots of water and peeing frequently will eventually make peeing less painful and help speed recovery. Hence, focus on staying well hydrated. If you are dealing with a relatively mild case of UTI, it will probably get cleared within a day or two of water therapy.
Over the years, some UTIs have become harder to treat as the bacteria responsible for them have developed greater resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Practice Good Hygiene
Scented products typically have chemicals or other additives in them that may irritate the urinary tract and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria. Take showers instead of baths whenever possible. Choose cotton underwear; it may help keep the area dry and prevent bacterial growth.
Why are UTI symptoms worse at night? Many women experience worsened symptoms at night or early morning because urine output is at its lowest. Reduced urination allows the urine to increase the risk of discomfort and pain in the bladder.
Epsom Salt and Warm Bath for UTI
Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with a UTI, such as pain or burning during urination. However, it's not a substitute for medical treatment for a UTI, which typically involves antibiotics.
Sometimes you can sniff out a UTI. Often, your urine has a foul smell when you have a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. For some women with mild infections, strong smelling urine may be the only symptom. Put your nose to the test next time you suspect that you have a UTI and see if you can detect a strong odor.
A 2023 study that got a lot of buzz estimated that E. coli-contaminated meat leads to nearly half a million UTIs in the U.S. each year, making it one of the most common causes of UTIs. Research has also found that 30 to 70 percent of meat products that are sold in retail stores are contaminated with E.
Consider the following tips when UTI discomfort leaves you tossing and turning.
So, don't assume that your urinary tract infection will clear up immediately. Common signs that your UTI is gone include: No pain or discomfort when passing urine. Clear urine.
Yes, in some cases, your body can actually fight off a mild UTI without needing antibiotics, but it's not always a guarantee (or recommended).
A UTI becomes an emergency when it causes serious symptoms like high fever, confusion, vomiting, or severe back or side pain. These may be signs the infection has spread to the kidneys or bloodstream. Call 911 or go to the ER if you can't stand, think clearly, or breathe easily.
Avoid Foods and Beverages that Can Worsen UTI Symptoms
Caffeinated sodas. Alcohol. Spicy foods. Acidic fruits.
You may want to wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, so air can keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear are not good, because they can trap excess moisture which can contribute to the growth of bacteria.