Urinary tract infection, or just UTI for short, is triggered by bacteria such as E. coli in the urinary tract. In general, there are two main different UTI categories, namely lower and upper tract UTIs. The lower tract UTIs refer to the infection that primarily affects the bladder and urethra. In the case of bladder UTI, we’re talking about cystitis or bladder infection. These are the most common UTIs that are usually well-managed with antibiotics. Upper tract UTIs refer to the infection that has spread from the lower tract UTI to the kidneys due to the lack of timely treatment. This particular case is rather rare and considerably more serious. Pyelonephritis or kidney infection can cause permanent damage and needs quick medical intervention. Sadly, urinary tract infections can be a recurring thing for some people, meaning that they suffer from UTIs at least twice in six months or three times a year.
Causes and Symptoms of UTI
The most common symptoms of lower tract UTI are the following:
- Burning or painful sensation when urinating
- A frequent urge to urinate
- Discomfort and cramps in the lower abdomen
- Blood mixed with urine
When it comes to upper tract UTI, some of the symptoms are similar to the ones previously mentioned, but the more common ones include:
- Fever and chills
- Vomiting or nausea
- Pain in the lower back
It’s important to understand the potential UTI causes, as this may help you avoid it from happening in the first place. That said, the most common risk factors are as follows:
- Sexual intercourse can be a risk factor, especially the combination of anal and vaginal sex. However, even without anal sex, rectal bacteria can migrate to the urinary tract due to friction. The same goes for masturbation. Urinating after sexual activity may flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Simply by being born as a biological female, women tend to suffer from UTIs about 30 times more frequently than men. This is due to the fact that the female urethra is shorter, which also makes it easier for the rectal bacteria to migrate to the urinary tract.
- Women who are post-menopausal also seem to have an increased risk of suffering from recurrent UTIs, primarily because of estrogen deficiency and urinary incontinence.
- Genetics can also play a significant role, meaning that if there’s a history of UTIs in your family, your risk of suffering from it is also higher.
- Poor hygiene habits such as wearing sweaty clothes too long, not changing underwear regularly, back to front wiping, or not washing sex toys can all increase the UTIs risk.
- One form of birth control can boost the risk of UTI, namely spermicide, as it makes it more challenging for the body to ward off unwanted bacteria due to getting rid of good genital bacteria.
How Long Does a UTI Last?
The common treatment for UTI is a course of prescribed antibiotics. In terms of how long a UTI lasts, you can expect it to go away completely while taking antibiotics for a week. However, you’ll probably notice signs your UTI is going away even a day or two after starting the treatment. Just make sure that you continue taking the prescribed amount of antibiotics for as long as the doctor instructed. During this time, it’s recommended to drink a lot of water and sustain from engaging in sexual intercourse.
Some bacteria might not react to a certain type of antibiotics, but that’s no reason to despair. If you don’t notice any signs your UTI is going away even after three days of antibiotics treatment, report it to your doctor, and they will prescribe another kind of antibiotics. This isn’t too uncommon, and doctors are generally familiar with the right course of action when presented with this situation.
Will UTI Go Away on Its Own?
How long a UTI lasts will also depend on the severity of the infection. In the case of uncomplicated UTIs, it’s possible to deal with the issue with home remedies and drink plenty of liquids, and the UTI will go away on its own. This is because the body itself can manage smaller infections. Still, it’s important to mention that this is true for only about 25-42% of UTIs that are minor. Always pay attention to the severity of your symptoms, and don’t try to endure anything that causes you too much discomfort.
How Long Does a UTI Last Without Antibiotics?
As mentioned, in regards to how long a UTI lasts without antibiotics, the answer will depend on whether the infection is relatively minor or not. Uncomplicated UTIs can go away in about a week. It’s possible to try some home remedies to get relief during the recovery, but make sure to seek medical assistance if the signs of your UTI is going away fail to show. After all, you don’t want a lower tract UTI to turn into an upper tract one.
Some of the most popular home remedies involve drinking plenty of liquids and not just water. Cranberry juice and uva ursi tea have been reported to help with UTI symptoms relief. Upping the intake of vitamin C and probiotics may also be helpful to fight off the infection. Some people swear by certain essential oils when it comes to UTI home remedies, such as oregano oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, and eucalyptus oil. However, using these oils also carries certain health risks, which is why it’s crucial to follow the exact instructions when using them. Also, it’s recommended to discuss the use of essential oils with your doctor just to be on the safe side.
However, in many cases, you shouldn’t count that a UTI will go away on its own. Leaving a serious infection untreated can end up causing a kidney infection. This is a very dangerous condition that could even lead to organ failure or kidney scarring, which is why it requires immediate medical intervention.
Another reason why people can be interested in how long a UTI lasts without antibiotics use is due to them being worried about potential antibiotic allergies or Candida infection risks. It’s still essential to discuss your options with your doctor and be very open and transparent about your concerns in regards to antibiotics in order to deal with this infection as effectively and quickly as possible.
As we pointed out before, women are at a much higher risk of suffering from UTIs. Aside from being very attentive to the potential causes of urinary tract infections, regular doctor checkups will also allow you to maintain your health and well-being. In case you notice any worrying symptoms related to the urinary or reproductive system, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at University Park OBGYN. We can provide you with the best care and trust you in the hands of experienced professionals who have already helped hundreds of women live fulfilling and healthy lives.
