Overview
Have you often wondered how long a UTI can stick around? Well, some mild cases might go away on their own shortly, but some can stick for as long as the right antibiotics are taken.
To your surprise, if severe UTI is left untreated, it can become one of the most serious health problems you can not think of. Yes, you read that right. Without proper treatment of UTI with antibiotics tailored to your needs, symptoms and pain will get worse, and it will take longer for the complete treatment.
Read this blog to learn how long a UTI can last and how you can treat it!
How long does a UTI last on average?
On average, UTIs last 7-10 days. They are treated with prescription antibiotics, and the duration of treatment depends on the type of UTI. Sometimes, the treatment time differs between males and females due to related complications.
For Different UTI :
- Urethritis (Infection of the Urethra) typically lasts 3-7 days with proper treatment, both in males and females. It’s important to get the right prescription for complete, effective treatment.
- Cystitis (bladder infection) lasts 7-14 days in males due to possible complications, while in females, it can take 7-10 days to get the complete treatment.
- Pyelonephritis (a kidney Infection) lasts 10-14 days in males and females with the right prescription options.
- Asymptomatic Bacteriuria usually lasts for shorter periods and goes away on its own most of the time. In special cases, it needs proper treatment in females. Conditions like pregnancy and diabetes should be treated with a proper prescription prescribed by your healthcare provider.
An interesting fact about UTIs: Did you know that recurrent UTIs (defined as having two or more infections in 6 months or 3 in a year) are more common in women due to the shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder? Proactive measures like staying hydrated and proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of recurrence!
How long can a UTI last without treatment?
A UTI can last several days to weeks without treatment (up to a week on average) but may worsen over time.
Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications, such as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can take even longer to heal and pose significant health risks if left unresolved. It’s important to get a consultation when you notice any UTI symptoms like a burning sensation when passing urine or pain in the lower abdomen.
Some of the prominent symptoms you might feel when UTI is left untreated are:
- Persistent urinary urgency
- Painful urination (Dysuria)
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in urine
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Fever or chills (a sign that indicates the presence of infection)
- Nausea or vomiting (when kidneys are affected)
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Yes, UTIs can sometimes go away on their own, depending on the area in the body affected by the infection and the severity. It can be classified as :
| Mild UTI (less severe symptoms) | It can be resolved on its own |
| Most UTIs (severe symptoms) | Need antibiotics to get the complete treatment |
| UTIs with fever and chills | It also indicates UTIs that need antibiotics as well as antipyretic medications. |
Even though some mild UTIs can resolve on their own, about 25%-42% of untreated cases can lead to kidney infections (pyelonephritis), which are far more serious and almost always require antibiotics!
How to relieve UTI symptoms at home?
You can not completely relieve UTI at home if it’s severe and requires prescription antibiotics or effective treatment and complete relief. On the other hand, home remedies can help you improve the symptoms of UTIs. Some of the home remedies that can help you get the treatment are:
- Drinking plenty of water can help the bacteria to flush out from the body through the kidneys and leave with urine.
- Taking over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms like pain in your lower abdomen. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and discomfort.
- A warm compress on the lower abdomen can also help relieve pain.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help you avoid the worsening of UTI and help in the healing process.
- Practicing good hygiene can help you stay away from UTI-causing bacteria in the first place.
- It is also recommended to avoid tight-fitting clothes, as they keep the environment warm and moist, which helps the bacteria grow and spread.
- Increase your Vitamin C intake. It helps boost your immune system and makes urine more acidic, deterring bacterial growth.
When to consult a doctor
Consult your doctor when experiencing UTI symptoms to avoid worsening symptoms and infection. When treated properly with prescription antibiotics, UTIs will not take more than 5-7 days to treat. On the other hand, if UTIs are left untreated, they might take up to a couple of weeks to treat and can affect the quality of your life.
Getting consulted for prescription antibiotics and completing the course for complete treatment and relief is crucial.
FAQs about how long do Utis last
It will take 5-7 days to flush out a UTI with the right antibiotics. You can also drink plenty of water to speed up this process and get complete treatment.
A severe UTI often includes symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower back, or persistent symptoms despite treatment.
Antibiotics might not work if bacterial resistance develops in your body (due to not completing the course previously) and an improper dosage is prescribed. If you do not experience any improvement in UTI symptoms despite taking antibiotics, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible to get antibiotics for your medical condition.
