How long does a urinary tract infection last?

 There are several factors that determine how long a urinary tract infection would last. Although, in the normal scenario, a urinary tract infection lasts not longer than one week.

The first aspect to consider when determining how long a UTI will last is whether it is simple or complicated. Uncomplicated UTIs are much more frequent than complicated UTIs, which last for roughly 3–5 days, and for some people, may even take up to 7 days to cure. They often affect the lower urinary system (the bladder) and do not have other characteristics that might make treatment more difficult. On the other hand, treating complicated UTIs might take up to 14 days or more.

Your body’s immune system can sometimes eliminate the invading bacteria without requiring medications. When an uncomplicated UTI is left untreated, it may be easier for the bacteria to grow and the symptoms to worsen, converting it into a complicated UTI. Since antibiotics are the “gold standard” for treating UTIs, it’s always a good idea to visit a doctor if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of a UTI. Patients having UTI symptoms are typically given antibiotic prescriptions by their doctors to kill the germs. They will collect a urine sample (midstream urine) to determine what is going on. Once the test results are in (usually within a day or two), your doctor may switch you to a more efficient antibiotic for eliminating the germs that caused your infection.

Antibiotics will accelerate the recovery process. In most cases, symptoms should improve within 36 hours. You will feel better after receiving the proper medication for the bacteria causing your UTI, but you will not be “cured.” The bacteria that cause UTIs may still be present even if you don’t frequently have the desire to urinate or have any other UTI symptoms.

You should take antibiotics for three to five days to thoroughly heal the UTI. Even though you might want to stop taking your medications as soon as you start feeling better, it’s necessary to finish the course so that you don’t allow any room for the infection to trigger again.

How long does a complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) last?

Complex UTIs can remain for a few weeks. Many factors can influence how long a complicated UTI lasts, including:

• If you are pregnant or at the post-menopausal stage.
• If the infection is due to bacteria that are resistant to medication.
• If you are wearing a catheter, stent, nephrostomy tube, or any other medical device.
• If you have any urinary tract problems or kidney stones.
• If you suffer from a chronic illness like diabetes or have a weakened immune system.1

How is a urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosed?

Your doctor will do the following tests to determine if you have a urinary tract infection:

• Urine routine test (Urinalysis) — This test examines the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. The presence of white blood cells and red blood cells can be signs of an infection in your urine.
• Urine culture test — A urine culture identifies the types of bacteria in your urine and the antibiotics to which those bacteria are resistant. This test is crucial since it helps to choose the appropriate course of action.

Your doctor may perform the following tests to look for disease or injury in your urinary tract if your infection does not improve after treatment or if you keep getting infections:

• Ultrasound — In this test, the sound waves provide an image of the inside organs. It is a painless procedure where the test is performed on top of your skin and doesn’t require special preparation.
• Cystoscopy — This test uses a device (cystoscope) with a lens and a light source to look inside the bladder through the urethra.
• CT scan — A CT scan is another imaging test that takes cross-sections of the body (like slices). Compared to standard X-rays, this method is much more accurate.2

How can a urinary tract infection (UTI) go away?

You can take a few steps to accelerate the healing process. Here are some tips to help you get rid of a UTI faster or at least feel better:

• Drink water and pee frequently — Every time you pee, you flush some bacteria out of your body, so drinking plenty of water may help you get rid of the UTI faster. People with recurrent bladder infections who increased their daily water intake by 1.5 litres (more than what they usually drink) experienced fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs) than those who did not increase their hydration levels.
• Don’t consume caffeine — Avoid drinking coffee if you have a UTI. According to research, drinking caffeinated beverages may worsen the symptoms of UTI.
• Try using a heating pad — UTIs can cause your back and abdomen to hurt while also making it uncomfortable to urinate. A heating pad can ease your discomfort and help you feel better.
• Consider using over-the-counter painkillers — While waiting for the antibiotics to take effect, painkillers can help you feel less uncomfortable. But do consult your doctor before taking any such medicine.
• Consume probiotics — Probiotics enhance digestive and immune system health. If used in addition to regular antibiotic therapy, they may also help treat and prevent UTIs. Bad bacteria, especially those of one species termed Lactobacillus, replace good bacteria in the urogenital system when there is a UTI. Probiotics help replenish healthy bacteria and may reduce the chances that a UTI will reoccur. Probiotics may be beneficial for treating and preventing UTIs, but studies are yet to confirm this.
• Include more vitamin C in the diet — Increasing your vitamin C consumption could strengthen your immune system. However, several studies have revealed mixed evidence for the usefulness of vitamin C in treating UTIs, because there isn’t enough evidence to support this treatment.3 4

How is complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) treated?

Complicated UTIs may need broad-spectrum antibiotics to remove bacteria effectively in the urinary system. Even though the treatment lasts for 14 days, you’ll probably start to feel better shortly. As your body starts to fight the infection, the burning sensation while peeing will reduce. Drinking plenty of water will also accelerate the healing process.

The intense pain of a UTI typically goes away within a day or two after starting the treatment. Just remember to complete the antibiotic course to prevent a future infection that is much more difficult to treat than the initial one