Urinary tract & bladder infection treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. The system includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. They work together to filter the blood, make urine and carry urine out of the body. Urine doesn't normally have bacteria in it. A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria from another source enters the system.

UTI is a catch-all for infections that can occur in the urinary tract, including:

• Bladder infection (also called infectious cystitis): Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder. Bacteria in the bladder cause inflammation. This is what causes cystitis symptoms.
• Kidney infection (sometimes called pyelonephritis): Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, is a bacterial infection. A bladder infection that isn't treated can cause bacteria to travel to the kidneys. This can cause pyelonephritis, which can result in the kidneys swelling. It is more severe than a bladder infection.
• Ureters: Two tubes that take urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Urethra: Tube that empties urine from the bladder to outside of your body.

UTIs and bladder infections can leave you feeling like you need to go to the bathroom almost constantly. They are usually not serious but can become serious if left untreated.

Most urinary tract infections and bladder infections are caused by bacteria. Most of the time, the infection starts in the bladder and then may spread to include other parts of the urinary tract.

Some conditions increase your risk of developing a urinary tract or bladder infection. These include:

• Bowel incontinence (trouble holding stool)
• Diabetes
• Diaphragm use
• Enlarged prostate (men only)
• Having a urinary catheter in place
• Kidney stones
• Menopause
• Narrowed urethra
• Pregnancy
• Problems that make it hard to empty your bladder completely
• Sexual activity
• Surgery or procedure on the urinary tract

The major symptom of a UTI is a burning or painful sensation when you urinate. Other common symptoms include:

• Cloudy, foul-smelling and/or bloody urine
• Pressure or cramping in your lower stomach
• A strong need to urinate often (even right after you have gone to the bathroom)

If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you may experience:

• Chills
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• High fever
• Nausea
• Pain in your side, back or groin
• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting

While there are steps you can take to help ease discomfort, at-home care does not treat the underlying infection. Urinary tract and bladder infections typically require evaluation and treatment from a licensed health care provider.

To help manage symptoms while you seek care, you can:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Consider appropriate over-the-counter products for symptom relief
• Avoid bladder irritants like certain foods, drinks or tobacco products

A MinuteClinic® provider can assess your symptoms, perform testing if needed, and recommend treatment — which may include prescription medication to fully clear the infection and help prevent it from getting worse.

Yes. UTIs are common during pregnancy due to natural changes in the body that can make it easier for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, which may slow urine flow and increase the risk of infection.

Because UTIs during pregnancy may not always cause noticeable symptoms at first, screening and early treatment are important. When left untreated, a urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys and lead to more serious complications.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing symptoms such as burning when you urinate, a frequent or urgent need to go, lower abdominal discomfort or cloudy urine, it’s important to seek care from a pregnancy‑appropriate health care provider.

Treatment options may vary. Your age, sex and personal health history can help choose the treatment. The right treatment also depends on the severity of your symptoms.


UTIs are typically treated with the following methods:

• Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics depending on which organism is causing your UTI.

Treatment for a urinary tract or bladder infection is usually started immediately, even though the results of some urine tests can take a few days to come back. Treatment is started using common prescription antibiotics that treat most bacteria. If your urine culture shows a different type of bacteria requiring a different antibiotic, your MinuteClinic® provider will contact you with a new prescription.

Most urinary tract and bladder infections are straightforward to diagnose and treat. Situations that can make UTIs more difficult to treat and may result in your being referred to a different health care setting include:

• Pregnancy
• Recent kidney infection in the last three months
• Severe vomiting

Prescription antibiotics are the primary treatment for urinary tract and bladder infections, but they take time to work. If you are experiencing severe discomfort from your infection, talk to your MinuteClinic provider about medicines that can reduce pain and make you more comfortable while your infection clears up.

Your MinuteClinic provider can also give you tips for preventing a urinary tract or bladder infection in the future, such as:

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Emptying bladder as soon as you have the urge
• Urinating after sexual activity
• Washing and keeping your genital area clean