UTI Pain Relief : How to Relieve UTI Pain Fast

How to Get Rid of UTI Pain: UTI Pain Relief Women's Health
August 2, 2022
6 minutes Read
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Did you know that both men and women can get urinary tract infections?

While they’re more common in women, they’re equally prevalent in both sexes and among older adults who are 55 and up. But no matter who you are, at some point, you’re likely to Google “How to relieve UTI pain fast,” if you or a loved one is suffering from a urinary tract infection.

Finding an instant UTI relief method helps you relieve uncomfortable symptoms, like that achy pain during urination. 

But what’s a good cure of UTI symptoms? One that actually works? The first step to effectively treating symptoms is consulting your doctor to see if you need antibiotics.

Firstly, urinary tract infections are incredibly common. Cleveland Clinic explains that UTIs occur in one out of five women during their lifetime. Also, eight to ten million people visit clinics annually to look for UTI pain relief and effective treatment. 

Regardless of how typical experiencing an infection of the urinary tract system is, it doesn’t make the discomfort fun. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms, like constantly needing to pee, it’s time to seek out urinary tract infection pain relief. 

Firstly, talk to your MD, and they’ll discuss the following:

  • How to get rid of UTI pain?
  • How to relieve UTI pain fast (the quicker you feel back to normal, the better).
  • How long do UTIs last?
  • Can a UTI go away on its own?
  • Are UTIs contagious?
  • Can UTIs be transmitted from woman to man?

Before we discuss all the details of this infection and how to relieve UTI pain, let’s talk basics. 

What is the urinary tract? 

The urinary tract is our body’s system for removing waste and excess fluid through urine. The urinary tract must work together for normal functioning liquid removal to occur. 

The urinary tract includes our:

  • Kidneys
  • Ureters
  • Bladder
  • Urethra

Each of these body parts is important for the following reasons:

  • Kidneys: The kidneys are organs located just above the hips on the back of your body. Think of them as your body’s filters because they remove water and waste from your blood. This waste becomes urine. 
  • Ureters: These thin tubes carry urine from our kidneys to our bladder.
  • Bladder: Think of the bladder as a small sac-like container. It holds the urine before it exits the body.
  • Urethra: This tube is important because it carries the urine out of your body from the bladder. 

Many people can have a UTI and not realize how complicated our urinary tract system is. They know it’s irritating but aren’t exactly sure what’s causing it or how to get rid of UTI pain. 

What is a UTI?

A UTI occurs when part of your urinary tract becomes infected with bacteria, such as the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra. 

Often, your bladder gets infected when you have a UTI, known as a bladder infection. These little devils are caused by bacteria and can lead to problems like needing to pee frequently and lower-belly pain. 

But can a UTI go away on its own if it’s a bladder infection?

According to a medically reviewed Web MD article, an infected bladder might disappear by itself. But usually, the most effective UTI symptoms cure for this issue is a course of prescribed antibiotics, like Macrobid. 

Also, did you know that your kidneys can become infected?

A kidney infection is unpleasant and can become fatal if not properly treated. Even if your UTI begins as a seemingly minor bladder infection, forgoing proper medical care can cause the infection to travel to your kidney. 

A kidney infection feels terrible, and symptoms include:

  • Kidney pain which can make it hard to lay down or even move
  • Pain in your lower or upper abdomen
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 

In short, usually, urine moves without issue through the urinary system (free of contamination). Nevertheless, bacteria can make their way into the urinary tract, causing problems like infection and inflammation, such as a UTI. 

Main takeaway: A UTI is a urinary system infection caused by bacteria that can impact your bladder, kidneys, or urethra. It’s best to seek professional medical help, as symptoms can worsen if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

You might not recognize the symptoms if it’s your first time experiencing a urinary tract infection. 

However, if you’ve had one before, you’ll probably identify it quickly and make an appointment with a physician at the first signs of a UTI. 

If you’re experiencing a burning sensation while you pee, cloudy urine, fever, or aches in your abdomen, you’ll need to know how to relieve UTI pain quickly! 

First, let’s help you recognize the signs. 

Some common UTI symptoms include:

  1. Painful urination: Bacterial overgrowth that provokes a UTI also causes urine to become acidic. Consequently, you’ll likely feel pain as the pee travels out of the urethra. 
  2. Burning urination: Like the pain mentioned above, acidic urine can cause a burning or stinging sensation as it comes out of the body. 
  3. Need to pee often (even if nothing comes out): When your bladder becomes full, there’s pressure, prompting you to head to the toilet. However, with a UTI, the bacteria causes the bladder to swell and become irritated, forming pressure and the need to urinate often.
  4. Smelly urine: If you notice an ammonia scent in your pee, it could mean you have an infection of the urinary tract. The smell indicates bacteria are swimming around your urinary system.
  5. Cloudy urine: Our bodies send white blood cells to combat the infection. These white blood cells are removed during urination. Consequently, when white blood cells mix with pee, it appears cloudy. 
  6. Red-hued urine: Planned Parenthood explains that blood in your pee is common when you have a UTI. If you glimpse a reddish hue in your urine, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
  7. Pain in the abdomen: Infection-causing bacteria can also affect your abdomen, especially the lower part. You may encounter pain, pressure, and bloating. 
  8. Lower back pain: As an infection reaches the kidneys, it can lead to pain in the lower back. If you detect UTI pain near your back, speak to a clinician promptly. 
  9. Pain below the ribs: If you experience neck or rib pain, consult a physician immediately. This pang could mean that the infection has become more rampant and may impact your kidneys, which is a huge cause for concern. 
  10. Fever, tiredness, weakness, shakiness, and confusion: Penn Medicine explains that if the infection spreads toward the kidneys, you can get a high fever. You may also undergo weakness, shakiness, and unclear thinking. 

To confirm if you have a urinary tract infection or to cure UTI symptoms, your MD may run a urine test and ask you several questions. 

Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment with the information provided. They should cover the basics, such as: 

  • How to get rid of UTI pain?
  • How long do UTIs last?
  • What’s the cause?

What are the common causes of a UTI?

Surprisingly, many UTIs are often spurred on by bacteria from fecal matter. How is this so? 

Feces can enter the urinary tract if you wipe your genital area from behind to front. 

Thus, the germs in the feces invade the urethra, causing an infection. Also, women have shorter urethras, so they’re more susceptible to bacteria reaching the bladder or kidneys.

Other things that can introduce bacteria into your urinary tract causing a UTI are:
  • Sex
  • Pregnancy
  • Health issues that block the urinary tract (like kidney stones)
  • Health issues that make it hard to empty the bladder (like an enlarged prostate or constipation) 
  • Having a weak or compromised immune system
  • Dehydration

Before we discuss how to relieve UTI pain, let’s first talk about who’s most at risk.

What are the risk factors? 

UTIs tend to be most common in women because of the anatomy of how their body is made up. Fortunately, if you’re wondering, “Can UTIs be transmitted from woman to man?” the answer is ‘no.’ This health concern isn’t transferable between partners. 

That said, a urinary tract infection can cause discomfort during intercourse. So, in short, are UTIs contagious? They aren’t. But this doesn’t mean you want to have sex and feel more pressure on your bladder. 

Nothing will make a person run to the physician, asking how to relieve UTI pain fast, then intensified pain due to the bedroom tango. 

Here are some risk factors:

  1. Having sex
  2. Some kinds of birth control
  3. Menopause 
  4. Female anatomy 
  5. Unhygienic practices 
  6. Holding in pee
  7. Kidney Stones
  8. Diabetes
  9. Recent use of a urinary catheter 

If you have a urinary tract infection, you’ll need to know how to relieve UTI pain to feel more comfortable.

How to relieve UTI Symptoms:

Do you want to say goodbye to UTI pain fast? Read along as we offer some tips. 

Firstly, medical professionals consider antibiotics as standard UTI treatment for their efficacy. 

But, when antibiotics are overused, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making some UTIs hard to treat. Therefore, experts continue exploring other treatment methods to support antibiotic use.

You can try home remedies to ease symptoms and promote healing with antibiotics prescribed by a medical doctor.

Home Remedies for UTIs:

  1. Drink your water. Staying hydrated helps keep your urine cleaner, reducing UTI pain. Drinking plenty of water regularly also takes preventative measures and removes bacteria from your system.
  2. Avoid certain drinks. H2o is great, but coffee and cocktails aren’t. The caffeine in drinks, like tea and coffee, can build up in the urine. Similarly, the alcohol in drinks can irritate your bladder. Both drinks can make urination feel worse. To heal faster, steer clear of these bladder-irritating beverages. 
  3. Use a heating pad. A soothing dose of warm heat on your abdomen can help eliminate UTI pain because it calms the area. Less pain means your healing will occur more easily, and you may sleep better, allowing your body to recoup. 
  4. Take pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medications won’t heal your UTI. Seek counsel from your doctor for UTI treatment. Your physician should direct you toward the best painkillers. 
  5. Try cranberries: While research is inconclusive, some studies reveal that you might reduce your chance of a UTI and promote urinary tract health with cranberry products, such as cranberry capsules, dried cranberries, and unsweetened cranberry juice.
  6. Take probiotics: When a UTI occurs, harmful bacteria replace good bacteria in the urogenital system. Probiotics are helpful because they promote the restoration of good bacteria while possibly helping with prevention. More studies on this topic are needed. 
  7. Try natural supplements: Some supplements may lower the chance of UTI development. 

Below are a few supplements that have been researched and are available in capsule form:

  • Cranberry extract: Like pure cranberry juice, cranberry extract stops bacteria from attaching to your urinary tract.
  • D-mannose: Research indicates that this sugar in cranberries (D-mannose) may effectively boost treatment and prevent UTIs.
  • Garlic extract: Garlic and its extract contain antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills or slows the growth of bacteria.

Can UTI symptoms be treated with over-the-counter medicines?

Treating the pain of a UTI is different than treating the infection. 

Yes, while an over-the-counter medicine can temporarily eliminate the discomfort, it won’t get rid of the infection. For this, you’ll likely need a prescription. 

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs. The type of drugs prescribed depends on the kind of bacteria found in your pee. 

For a simple infection, medications often given to heal a UTI are:

  • Bactrim or Septra (Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
  • Monurol (Fosfomycin)
  • Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)
  • Keflex (Cephalexin)
  • Ceftriaxone

What are UTI treatments for Instant UTI Relief

You’ll know if you need antibiotics to treat your UTI after a urine test. The lab results will confirm the type of bacteria in your body and let your MD know how best to treat it. 

Drugs like Macrobid, Ceftriaxone, and Monurol are common treatments prescribed. 

If you have UTIs frequently, your physician may try the following treatments:

  • Low-dose prescription for six months or longer
  • Self-diagnosis if you stay in continual contact with your healthcare provider
  • A single antibiotic dose after having sex
  • Vaginal estrogen (used for those who are post-menopausal)

How to Prevent a UTI

The key to preventing UTIs is to keep bacteria out of your urinary tract. 

Things like drinking more water and regularly peeing are ideal preventative measures. The water dilutes your pee while urinating boots bacteria out.

  1. Explore birth control options. 

Studies have displayed that some types of birth control can boost the likelihood of UTIs by encouraging bacterial growth. Chat with your MD if you use unlubricated condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides. Alternative contraception methods might be healthier for your urinary tract. 

2. Wear looser clothes.

Clothes that fit tightly or are made of certain fabrics can lock in moisture. Trapped moisture facilitates bacterial growth, worsening the infection. On the other hand, looser or cotton-lined clothes facilitate breathability so that the genital area stays drier. 

3. Pee when needed.

Holding in your pee allows more time for UTI-causing bacteria to fester within your body. Peeing helps the bacteria leave your system to prevent or ease a UTI infection. Also, ensure that you:

  • Fully empty your bladder to remove all toxins.
  • Pee before and after sex to rid of bacteria.
  • Wipe from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria from invading the urethra.

4.Avoid using irritating vaginal products.

Scented tampons, douches, or powders can irritate your urethra. Opting for unscented products that have less of an aggravating impact on your body is helpful. 

When to see a doctor

The faster you address UTI symptoms, the more likely you’ll avoid a kidney infection. 

While some people have successfully combatted uncomplicated UTIs with plenty of water and supplements, confer with your doctor. A clinician will do a urine culture to determine if a prescription is needed. 

Rest, liquids, and prescribed medication will likely wipe out your UTI.

Seek care when you experience the following symptoms:

  • Burning during urination
  • Frequent need to pee (even if you have recently)
  • Cloudy urine
  • Strong odor in your urine
  • Lower-belly cramping
  • Feeling weak
  • Feeling shaky

Important note:

Some urinary tract infections don’t go away after antibiotic treatment. 

In this case, the infection may have advanced to the kidneys, so immediate medical care is crucial. A doctor will likely prescribe other antibiotics. You may need fluids and hospitalization if the ailment is serious.

How can Ravkoo Health Help you get UTI treatment ASAP?

Have you heard of the Ravkoo Health App? If not, welcome! We offer a streamlined healthcare platform where you control your medical experience from your smartphone.

Once this app is downloaded, use Ravkoo MD to book and consult a physician with your smartphone. Using this app, you’ll be able to describe your UTI symptoms to a licensed doctor from the comfort of your couch. 

Your Ravkoo physician is fully certified and vetted to answer your questions (such as: how long do UTIs last? How to get rid of a UTI fast? Can a UTI go away on its own? Can UTIs be transmitted from woman to man?)

If your consultation results in a prescription,  use Ravkoo RX to order your medicine and deliver it to your house to heal your UTI symptoms quickly. 

FAQs Related To UTIs

Q: How long do UTIs last? 

A: With a course of antibiotics, a UTI should go away within a week. Symptoms will disappear more quickly, though. 

However, when considering how long a UTI lasts, it’s essential to know if your UTI is uncomplicated or complicated. 

According to the American Urological Association (AUA), uncomplicated UTIs are more common than complicated UTIs. 

An uncomplicated UTI is often located in the lower urinary tract (like the bladder) and is more straightforward to treat.

Urologist Jennifer Linehan, MD, explains that the bladder is the most common target for a UTI. 

With bladder infection, the symptoms typically go away in one to seven days with the proper medication. 

However, the doctor further explains that treating a kidney infection’s symptoms can take longer. A kidney infection can take up to 14 days to treat properly. 

Q: Can a UTI go away on its own?

A: A UTI can sometimes go away by itself, but not every kind of UTI can, and not every time. 

In short, yes, a UTI can heal on its own, but some infections require medical attention. If a UTI is left treated, it can linger longer than wanted. 

Finally, a UTI can become a kidney infection, which can be fatal, so speaking with a healthcare provider is strongly suggested. 

Q: Are UTIs contagious?

A: They aren’t contagious, so you cannot catch a UTI from someone else, nor can you give them one. However:

  • A UTI can cause pain during sex. 
  • Bacteria can get into a person’s urinary tract if someone wipes from back to front after a BM (bowel movement).
  • Anal sex can increase a person’s chances of UTI due to the bacteria of the bowels’ Escherichia coli (E. coli).
  • Having sex and using spermicides and diaphragms may increase the risk of UTIs. But, because birth control is crucial, ask a healthcare provider about options. 

Final thoughts:

Certain STIs can have similar symptoms to a UTI, so it’s important to have a lab test done to understand what’s causing you to feel off.

Our bodies are made of complicated systems that require balance and maintenance. Therefore, check with a medical provider if you’re experiencing anything uncomfortable health-wise!

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