Do I have a Urinary Tract Infection?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 17, 2025.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur commonly, especially in women, although they can occur in men too. They occur when bacteria enter and infect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Common symptoms of UTIs include a burning sensation or pain when urinating or
having a frequent and strong urge to urinate. Other possible symptoms include frequently urinating a tiny amount of liquid or urine that is cloudy, red, pink, or that has a very strong smell. Depending on how severe the infection is, these symptoms may get worse or change over time if left untreated.
Who is more prone to getting a UTI?
Factors that can increase the risk of developing a UTI include sexual activity, which can push move bacteria to the opening of the urethra, allowing an infection to develop, using a diaphragm or using diaphragms or condoms with a spermicide which may kill off healthy bacteria that is normally present, pregnancy or menopause where hormonal changes can change the type and presence of bacteria in the urinary tract, having a kidney stone or enlarged prostate or use of a catheter, and having diabetes which may weaken the immune system.
How can I treat a UTI?
There are both prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) options for treating a UTI. For a simple UTI, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help your body get rid of the infection. These antibiotics are usually taken by mouth. It is important to take the medication as prescribed for as many days as your doctor tells you to, even if you start to feel better after just a few days of treatment. Stopping the medicine early may increase the chance of having a repeat infection with resistant bacteria which can cause antibiotics to not work as well.
An OTC medication that can relieve some symptoms associated with UTIs is phenazopyridine hydrochloride (or Azo). Cystex is another OTC medication that can relieve some of the painful symptoms of a UTI. However, these OTC products will not cure the infection itself.
Drinking lots of water can help dilute your urine and flush the bacteria from your system, which can help get rid of the UTI.
Related questions
- What do I need to know about Drug Interactions?
- Nail it! Tips on Toenail Yeast Infections
- How do you get rid of a migraine fast?
Summary
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and think you may have a UTI, you should call your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist can answer questions about OTC options for lessening your symptoms, as well as answer any questions you may have if your doctor prescribes an antibiotic to treat the UTI.
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used cosmetically to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and for medical purposes for ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Timolol
Timolol is used for angina, heart attack, high blood pressure, migraine, migraine prevention
Valproic acid
Valproic acid is used for bipolar disorder, cluster-tic syndrome, epilepsy, headache ...
Divalproex sodium
Divalproex sodium is used for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, cyclothymic ...
Related medical questions
- Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Why do you not take phenazopyridine for more than two days?
- Always Hungry? You Might Have One Of These 12 Conditions
- What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
- Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
- What is the natural Mounjaro recipe for weight loss?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Zepbound Vs Mounjaro: Complete Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
- What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
- How long does metformin take to work?
- Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- A1C levels: Dangerous vs normal and how to lower It?
- How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
- Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
- Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
- How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?
Drug information
- RID 2 reviews
- Phenazopyridine 190 reviews
Related support groups
- RID (44 questions, 52 members)
- Phenazopyridine (21 questions, 27 members)
- Cystex (2 questions, 7 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (511 questions, 1,429 members)
- Pain (2,286 questions, 11,953 members)
- Infections (617 questions, 993 members)
- Urinary Tract Infection (204 questions, 602 members)
- Nephrolithiasis (18 questions, 64 members)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (55 questions, 253 members)
- Menopausal Disorders (32 questions, 231 members)
AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.