We asked experts how they recommend clearing up a UTI, ASAP
All of a sudden, it hits. You need to pee more frequently – and right now! – and when you do, it hurts. Maybe your pee is cloudy, or it has blood in it.
You know the root of the issue instinctively – it’s a UTI. As you know, urinary tract infections are seriously common. Over half of women will get deal with one at least once in their lives. At least. It's deeply likely that you've been there yourself, there, desperately asking Dr Google 'how to get rid of a UTI immediately?' as the familiar pain sets in.
If you’re in this boat, we feel for you. It’s important to remember that UTIs are normal and easily resolvable, particularly with medical assistance. Just be sure not to leave your symptoms untreated, as this can lead to more severe issues.
As Mohammed Belal, Consultant Urological Surgeon, University Hospitals Birmingham, tells Women’s Health: 'If a UTI is left untreated the bladder infection may escalate to a kidney infection. This can cause permanent damage and lead to serious complications like sepsis.'
There’s also a risk of developing chronic UTIs, which can be difficult to treat, and a nightmare to live with.
So, what is a UTI?
You know how they feel, but what about the actual biology of these nasty issues? A UTI is an infection of any part of the urinary system, or urinary tract. This includes urethra, bladder or kidneys.
When bacteria enters the urethra a UTI can occur, resulting in painful, cloudy or bloody urination, pelvic pain and more frequent urination.
'Once inside the urethra, these bacteria colonise and establish themselves, and then they can ascend up to the bladder, and then they can go up to the kidney [if left untreated],' Dr Ranee Thakar, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and president of the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecology, tells WH.
UTIs are common after sexual intercourse – which is why it’s so important to pee after sex – after going to the toilet (because bacteria from your back passage can infect your urinary tract, depending on how you wipe – remember, always go front to back!), if you’ve had a catheter or kidney stones, if you’re immune system is weakened or you’re pregnant, and if you haven’t been drinking enough fluids.
What causes a UTI in females?
Women are much more prone to contracting UTIs than men, and this is largely down to our anatomy. UTIs, explains Dr Thakar, often start in the urethra, which is the tube through which urine leaves the body. 'The urethra is quite short in females,' she says. 'So, because there is less distance for the bacteria to travel into the bladder and the urinary tract, women are more likely to get UTIs.'
Mr Belal adds that 'certain contraceptive methods, like diaphragms or spermicides, can increase the risk,' as can hormonal changes relating to menopause.
Will a UTI go away on its own?
There are two types of UTIs: complicated and uncomplicated. 'An uncomplicated UTI is usually quite easy to resolve with antibiotics, or sometimes it can clear on its own,' says Dr Thakar. 'Occasionally, if a person drinks a lot of fluids, particularly water, they can clear on their own.' (Although, it’s important to note, antibiotics are the most effective treatment).
Complicated UTIs occur when a person has 'additional challenges to the urinary system,' such as strictures (scars that narrow the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to pass) or kidney stones.
'When urine cannot come out, it tends to accumulate, and that forms an area where the bacteria can grow very easily, just like in stagnated water,' says Dr Thakar. Other conditions such as kidney issues, immune problems like diabetes or cancer, or catheters – anything which can make a UTI worse, or more likely – can cause complicated UTIs.
In these instances, says Dr Thakar, antibiotics will likely be needed, though there is a risk of building up a resistance to them.
How long does a UTI last?
Thankfully, UTIs don’t last too long, assuming you treat them as quickly as possible. Typically, says Mr Belal, a UTI resolves within a week, but it may take several weeks for the symptoms to improve.
'With antibiotics, symptoms usually improve within a few days,' he adds. 'It’s crucial to finish the entire course of medication to ensure the infection is completely gone.'
How to get rid of a UTI, fast
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for UTIs, other than drinking lots of water and taking antibiotics as prescribed. However, there are some home remedies which can help to reduce symptoms, as well as helping to prevent UTIs more generally, when done consistently.
'Take probiotics,' says Mr Belal. 'These can support a healthy balance of bacteria.' Also, he adds, try to avoid irritants, like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and artificial sweeteners.
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