Can a Urinary Tract Infection Go Away on Its Own?

About half of all women will have a UTI at some point in their lives. UTIs are more common in women because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Other risk factors include:

• A previous UTI
• Recent sexual activity
• Menopause
• Certain birth control (spermicides, diaphragms)
• Diabetes
• Have or recently had a catheter in place
• Pregnancy
• Weakened immune system
• Age (older adults and young children at highest risk)
• Poor hygiene

UTIs can occur in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.

UTIs are mostly caused by bacteria, but viruses and fungi can also be a cause.

When bacteria invade the urethra (the opening to the urinary tract) and track upwards to the bladder, it causes infection and inflammation in a normally sterile environment. In most cases, UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria normally found in the bowels that venture out to an area in our body where it is not used to being.

UTIs are grouped into two broad categories, uncomplicated, also known as bladder infection or cystitis, and complicated, which occur in people with underlying conditions or risk factors.

Complicated cases include people with:

• Kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis
• Catheter use
• UTI during pregnancy

UTI symptoms can vary. Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling like you have to urinate even when bladder is empty
• Bloody urine
• Pressure and cramping in the lower belly

Not only are bladder infections painful, but they can also be dangerous if left untreated.

“Bacteria from a bladder infection can easily travel to the kidneys and cause serious problems, including infection of the kidneys, known as pyelonephritis with or without abscess; a blood stream infection or bacteremia; cardiovascular collapse, also known as shock; and potential kidney failure.” Dr. Pitis says. “Early use of antibiotics can eliminate the infection and prevent complications.”

Seek medical care right away if you have any symptoms of a kidney infection, including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lower back pain or pain in the side of the back
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in urine

Antibiotics are the main way to treat UTIs caused by bacteria. They either kill the bacteria or stop them from growing. This helps to get rid of the infection and relieve symptoms.

The type of antibiotic depends on the bacteria, patient’s health, medical history and allergies.

Remember to finish all your antibiotics, even if you start feeling better. This will make sure the infection is completely gone and lowers the chance of it coming back. In some situations, you may need to go to the hospital for treatment.

Antibiotics have long been the standard treatment for a UTI but concerns about unnecessary antibiotic use and the growing problem of antibiotic resistance have raised questions about whether the drugs are always needed.

“While it’s possible for the body to clear a mild infection on its own in some cases, it can be very risky not to treat a confirmed UTI with antibiotics,” Dr. Pitis says.

Patients are instructed to closely follow directions, finish all antibiotics and not use leftover antibiotics without talking to a health care provider.

A doctor or nurse can test for a UTI with a urine sample. Urinalysis conducted at the office immediately identifies elevated levels of certain substances in the urine that can indicate a UTI. If necessary, your provider may also send the sample to a lab to confirm the presence of bacteria before an antibiotic is prescribed.

“Your provider will determine if and when you should start a course of antibiotics,” says Dr. Pitis.

Collecting a urine sample for testing isn’t always necessary. If a woman has symptoms of a UTI and no fever or underlying problems, she likely has a bladder infection. In this case, treatment with antibiotics and pain relievers can begin without needing a urine sample.

If you do not respond well to the initial course of antibiotics or have had many recurrent infections, and drug-resistant bacteria is a concern, your urine will be sent for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Common home remedies may help provide temporary relief, including:

• Drinking plenty of water to help flush out bacteria
• Avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort

However, Dr. Pitis cautions that certain popular home treatments for UTIs, such as cranberry juice and vitamin C, have not proven effective in eliminating infection.

“Cranberry juice and Vitamin C do alter the pH in your urine and make it slightly more difficult for E coli to adhere on the urinary tract wall, which theoretically should prevent UTI. However, once you already have UTI, these home remedies have not been proven to treat or eradicate the infection,” she says.

Always consult a health care provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Some women are more genetically prone to developing UTIs than others, and sexual intercourse can raise the risk of bacteria entering the urethra. Women who get frequent UTIs after sex may help prevent them by making sure to urinate after intercourse or taking post-coital, low-dose antibiotics as a preventive measure.

Scripps HealthExpress clinics provide same-day, walk-in care at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center locations throughout San Diego County, including diagnosis and treatment of UTIs. On-Demand Video Visits are also available.