How Do You Get Rid of a UTI Without Going to the Doctor?

UTIs (urinary tract infections) are infections of the bladder (cystitis) or the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. It is generally not advised to attempt to treat a UTI without going to the doctor because in some cases, serious complications may occur if a UTI is not treated promptly.

UTIs (urinary tract infections) are infections of the bladder (cystitis) or the kidneys (pyelonephritis) in the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra.

Both bladder and kidney infections are more common in women than men.

If it is the first time you’ve had symptoms of a UTI, you should see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. Serious complications can occur in some cases if UTIs are left untreated. 

Most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, and you need to see your doctor to get a prescription. It is generally not advised to attempt to treat a UTI without going to the doctor because in some cases, serious complications may occur if a UTI is not treated promptly.

Antibiotics used to treat bladder infections include: 

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• Fosfomycin (Monurol)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium which is available by prescription, or Uristat, which is available over-the-counter [OTC]) may also be used to numb the bladder and urethra and to reduce the burning pain of some UTIs.

Medications to treat kidney infections include: 

• Antibiotics: the choice depends on the bacteria causing the infection and the severity of the infection
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)
• Fever and pain medicines
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Hospitalization: Intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids may be given in a hospital for patients who have high fever, severe pain, or cannot keep down food or fluids

Cranberry juice, cranberry tablets, and a supplement called D-mannose (a type of sugar related to glucose) have been promoted as home treatments to help prevent frequent bladder infections but there are no studies that show these products to be effective. However, use of these products probably is not harmful. Tell your doctor before taking any supplements.