Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): What You Need to Know

UTIs are one of the most common infections people face. They usually start in the bladder but can travel up to the kidneys if ignored. Most UTIs are bacterial and treatable, and you can do a lot to spot them early and avoid repeat episodes.

Recognizing symptoms and when to act

Typical signs include a burning feeling when you pee, needing to go more often, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower belly pressure. If you have fever, chills, or flank pain (pain high in your back), that can mean the infection reached your kidneys — see a doctor right away.

If you get UTIs often, keep a simple log: dates, possible triggers (sex, new contraception, antibiotics), and symptoms. That record helps your clinician decide if you need extra testing or a prevention plan.

Treatment basics you can expect

Your doctor will usually confirm a UTI with a urine test. Uncomplicated bladder infections in healthy adults often respond to short antibiotic courses. Common options include nitrofurantoin, a single dose of fosfomycin, or cephalexin (Keflex) depending on local resistance and your allergies. Fosfomycin is handy because a single-dose sachet can work well for simple cases. Cephalexin is often used when doctors prefer a multi-day oral antibiotic.

If symptoms are severe or you suspect a kidney infection, clinicians give longer or IV antibiotics. Don't skip the full antibiotic course even if you feel better in a day or two — stopping early raises the chance of recurrence and resistance.

Pregnant people need prompt care — some antibiotics are safe in pregnancy and untreated UTIs can harm both mother and baby. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, tell your provider; treatment may differ.

For frequent UTIs, doctors may recommend low-dose daily antibiotics for a time, a post-sex antibiotic dose if infections follow sex, or non-antibiotic options such as vaginal estrogen in postmenopausal women. Some studies show cranberry supplements can reduce recurrences modestly for women who get repeat UTIs, but results vary.

Simple self-care helps too: drink water, pee when you need to, and empty your bladder after sex. Avoid tight synthetic underwear and scented feminine products that can irritate the urethra. Wiping front-to-back is sensible hygiene for those with a vulva. If you have trouble emptying your bladder, ask your doctor — bladder-stimulating drugs or other treatments may help in specific cases.

Want deeper reading? Check our guides on fosfomycin advances and how to buy cephalexin safely. If you’re unsure about symptoms or treatment, contact a healthcare provider — UTIs are common, but they’re easiest to treat when caught early.