How to Relieve a UTI: 12 Home Remedies for Painful Urination

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, especially in women. According to statistics, approximately 50–60% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 30% are at risk of recurrence within 6 months if not properly treated. The sensations of painful urination, burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, and constant urge to urinate not only cause discomfort but also significantly affect daily life, work, and sleep.

If you are looking for ways to treat painful urination, alleviate UTI pain, or want to know what to do to feel more comfortable while waiting for a medical examination, this article will help you understand safe pain relief measures, support symptom improvement, and when medical treatment is needed. Tiptory will also share important considerations for effectively managing urinary tract infections, reducing the risk of complications, and limiting future recurrences.

Part 1: What to drink to relieve urinary tract infection?

Tip 1: Drink plenty of water to reduce painful urination

Drink enough water to help flush out bacteria

• When you have a urinary tract infection, drinking plenty of water helps increase urine output, thereby assisting in flushing bacteria out of the bladder and urethra.

• More frequent urination can reduce the time bacteria remain in the urinary tract, helping to limit the progression of the infection.

• This is a simple yet effective supportive measure to treat painful urination and alleviate UTI pain when combined with your doctor's treatment plan.

Monitor urine color to know if you've had enough water

• Maintain your water intake so that your urine is pale yellow, like straw. This is a sign that your body is adequately hydrated in most cases.

• If your urine remains cloudy or has a hint of blood, don't immediately assume you haven't drunk enough water. This could be a symptom of a urinary tract infection caused by inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract lining.

• If your urine contains a lot of blood, you have a high fever, flank pain, or worsening symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly.

Maintain the habit of drinking water throughout the day

• Instead of drinking a large amount of water at once, distribute your water intake evenly from morning to night for better absorption by the body.

• Maintaining adequate hydration daily not only helps soothe the burning sensation during urination but also supports the recovery process, contributing to alleviating UTI pain and reducing the risk of bacteria continuing to grow in the urinary system.

• Drinking enough water is one of the safe and easy-to-implement supportive measures for treating painful urination, recommended by many medical guidelines in conjunction with addressing the underlying cause of the illness.

Tip 2: Avoid bladder-irritating foods

Limit the "4 Cs" to reduce urinary tract irritation

• When you have a urinary tract infection, certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder lining, making you feel a constant urge to urinate, painful urination, or more burning during urination.

• During treatment, limit the "4 Cs," which include:

  • Caffeine: Coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, and some caffeinated sodas.

  • Carbonated beverages: Carbonated soft drinks and sparkling beverages.

  • Chocolate: Chocolate and products containing high levels of cocoa.

  • Citrus: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits, and their juices.

Discontinue use until symptoms improve

• If you are looking to treat painful urination or alleviate UTI pain, you should temporarily remove these foods from your diet to reduce bladder irritation.

• Once symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, urgency, or pain during urination have subsided, you can gradually reintroduce each type in small amounts to monitor your body's reaction.

• If you notice symptoms reappearing after consuming a particular food or drink, limit or avoid it for an extended period and consult your doctor if necessary.

Prioritize mild foods for the urinary tract

• During the recovery phase, prioritize plain water, green vegetables, low-acid fruits, and light meals to reduce pressure on the bladder.

• Combining a suitable diet with adequate hydration and following your doctor's treatment instructions will help improve urinary tract infections, support alleviation of UTI pain, and shorten recovery time.

Tip 3: Drink cranberry juice correctly

Cranberry and blueberry juice may support urinary tract health

• Some studies show that cranberry and blueberry juice contain polyphenol compounds, especially proanthocyanidins, which can reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to the bladder and urethral walls.

• This mechanism may help reduce the risk of bacterial growth, thereby supporting improvement in urinary tract infections and limiting the risk of recurrence in some individuals.

• However, cranberry juice cannot replace antibiotics once an infection has occurred. If you are treating painful urination or alleviating UTI pain, this should only be considered a supportive measure alongside treatment advised by your doctor.

Prioritize pure, low-sugar juice

• Choose cranberry or blueberry juice with the highest possible juice content, ideally 100% pure.

• Avoid products containing added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), as these increase sugar intake without providing additional benefits for the urinary tract.

• Many "cranberry cocktails" on the market contain only a small percentage of real juice, so read the ingredients carefully before choosing.

Consider cranberry extract supplements

• If you dislike the tart taste or want to limit sugar intake, you can consider using cranberry extract capsules as directed by the manufacturer or prescribed by your doctor.

• Do not use if you have a history of allergies to cranberries or the product's ingredients.

• Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or those planning to conceive should consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Note for those taking anticoagulants

• If you are taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin, consult your doctor before drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry extract capsules.

• Some evidence suggests that cranberries may increase the risk of interaction with anticoagulants in some individuals, so careful monitoring is necessary.

Use correctly for better effectiveness

• Cranberry juice or extract can be used during treatment to help alleviate UTI pain and may also help prevent recurrence in some high-risk cases.

• If urinary tract infection symptoms persist, accompanied by fever, flank pain, or significant blood in the urine, you should seek medical attention for timely diagnosis and treatment instead of relying solely on home remedies.

Tip 4: Drink ginger tea to relieve discomfort

Ginger tea can help reduce inflammation and discomfort

• Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have been studied for their ability to support anti-inflammatory effects and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

• If a urinary tract infection makes you feel tired or nauseous, a warm cup of ginger tea can help you feel more comfortable.

• However, ginger tea does not kill the bacteria causing UTIs and cannot replace medication. It is only a supportive measure to help alleviate UTI pain and improve some associated symptoms.

Ginger tea and supplements are often more effective than ginger used as a spice

• The concentration of active compounds in ginger tea or extracts is often higher than the amount of ginger used in cooking.

• If the goal is to help reduce discomfort during the treatment of painful urination, drinking ginger tea or using supplements as directed can provide more consistent results than just adding ginger to meals.

Do not consume too much ginger

• Drinking too much ginger tea or taking high doses of supplements can cause stomach upset, heartburn, or diarrhea in some individuals.

• To limit unwanted side effects, use in moderation and follow the manufacturer's recommendations if using supplements.

Consult a doctor in some cases

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using ginger if you:

  • Are taking medication for chronic conditions or other supplements.

  • Are taking anticoagulants like warfarin or have a bleeding disorder.

  • Have gallstones.

  • Are preparing for surgery.

  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive.

Combine with other treatment measures

• To improve urinary tract infections, you should combine drinking enough water, resting, taking prescribed medication, and maintaining an appropriate diet.

• If painful urination treatment does not improve after 1–2 days, or if fever, flank pain, or significant blood in the urine appear, seek medical attention promptly as the urinary tract infection may have spread to the kidneys and requires early treatment.

Part 2: Lifestyle tips to quickly reduce painful urination

Tip 1: Urinate as soon as you feel the urge

Do not hold urine when you have a urinary tract infection

• When you have a urinary tract infection, you may feel painful urination, burning during urination, or pain every time you go to the bathroom. Even so, try to urinate as soon as you feel the urge, rather than trying to hold it.

• Frequent urination helps flush bacteria out of the bladder and urethra with the urine flow, thereby supporting the recovery process and alleviating UTI pain.

Holding urine can worsen the condition

• Keeping urine in the bladder for too long creates conditions for bacteria to multiply and grow more vigorously.

• This can prolong the urinary tract infection, increase painful urination and urgency, and raise the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys.

• If you are treating painful urination, developing the habit of not holding urine is one of the simple but very important changes.

Urinate regularly when drinking plenty of water

• If you are drinking enough water as recommended, urinating approximately every 2–4 hours or whenever you feel the need is normal.

• There's no need to try and hold your urine to reduce the number of bathroom trips, as this can slow down the process of flushing bacteria from the urinary tract.

Combine healthy habits for faster recovery

• After urinating, gently clean the genital area and keep it dry and clean.

• Continue to drink enough water, take medication as prescribed by your doctor, and maintain timely urination habits to help treat painful urination, alleviate UTI pain, and reduce the risk of recurrence in the future.

Tip 2: Apply a warm compress to relieve pain

Warm compresses help soothe pain from urinary tract infections

• When you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience a dull ache in your lower abdomen or lower back. Applying a warm compress can help relax muscles, increase local blood circulation, and reduce pain and spasms.

• This is a simple supportive measure to help alleviate UTI pain, but it does not replace medication to treat the underlying cause of the infection.

Use a warm compress correctly to avoid burns

• Use a warm compress at a moderate temperature, not too hot.

• Always place a thin cloth between the compress and your skin to minimize the risk of burns or irritation.

• Apply to the lower abdomen or lower back for about 10–15 minutes at a time, then allow the skin to rest before reapplying if needed.

You can make your own warm compress at home

• Dampen a clean towel and warm it in the microwave or soak it in warm water.

• Place the towel in a clean plastic bag or wrap it in a dry cloth before use.

• Test the temperature by touching it to the inside of your wrist before applying to ensure it's not too hot.

Do not apply for too long or while sleeping

• Do not apply continuously for more than 15 minutes, as prolonged heat can cause skin damage.

• If using an electric heating pad, turn off the device before sleeping to avoid the risk of burns or safety hazards.

• Individuals with sensitive skin, reduced heat sensation, or neurological conditions should be particularly cautious when using warm compresses.

Combine with other care measures

• Warm compresses will be more effective when combined with adequate hydration, not holding urine, and following your doctor's treatment instructions.

• If treating painful urination at home but the pain becomes more severe, accompanied by high fever, chills, or flank pain, you need to see a doctor immediately, as the urinary tract infection may have spread to the kidneys and requires early treatment.

Tip 3: Take a warm sitz bath correctly

A warm sitz bath can help relieve discomfort

• When you have a urinary tract infection, soaking your perineal and pelvic area in warm water (sitz bath) can help relax pelvic muscles and reduce the burning pain and discomfort around the urethra.

• This method can help alleviate UTI pain, especially when you experience painful urination or a burning sensation after urinating.

• Note that a warm sitz bath only provides temporary symptom relief and does not treat the infection.

Do not add baking soda to bath water on your own

• Although some folk remedies suggest adding baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to bath water to reduce irritation, there is currently insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to prove that this method helps improve urinary tract infections.

• Baking soda can also cause skin dryness or irritation in some individuals, especially if the genital area is already inflamed or has abrasions.

• Therefore, Tiptory recommends prioritizing a clean warm water soak instead of adding baking soda or other ingredients without medical advice.

How to take a safe warm sitz bath

• Use lukewarm water, around 37–40°C (98.6–104°F), do not use water that is too hot.

Sitz baths can be used

• If you don't want to soak in a bathtub, you can use a sitz bath placed on the toilet. This device makes warm water soaking more convenient and focuses only on the affected area.

• Clean the sitz bath thoroughly before and after each use to reduce the risk of introducing additional bacteria into the urinary tract.

Combine treatments for faster recovery

• Warm water soaks should be combined with adequate hydration, not holding urine, and taking medication as prescribed by a doctor to help treat painful urination and improve urinary tract infections.

• If symptoms do not subside after 48 hours, or if fever, flank pain, chills, or significant blood in urine appear, you should seek immediate medical attention as these may be signs of a more severe infection.

Tip 4: Use pain relievers correctly

Urinary pain relievers can provide temporary relief from painful urination

• If a urinary tract infection causes painful or burning urination or bladder spasms, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend medication containing phenazopyridine to relieve symptoms.

• The medication works by soothing the urinary tract lining, helping to reduce burning and discomfort during urination.

• However, phenazopyridine does not kill bacteria and does not treat the underlying cause of the urinary tract infection. It is only a short-term supportive medication to relieve pain from urinary tract infections.

Use only for a short period

• Phenazopyridine is generally recommended for use for no more than 2 days, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

• Prolonged use of the medication can mask the symptoms of the illness without addressing the infection.

• If you are treating painful urination, you still need to treat the underlying cause with antibiotics when a bacterial infection is confirmed by your doctor.

Urine discoloration is normal

• When taking phenazopyridine, urine may turn orange or reddish-orange. This is a common and usually harmless side effect.

• The medication can also stain clothing or soft contact lenses, so be mindful during use.

• Additionally, changes in urine color can affect the results of some urine tests, so inform medical staff if you are taking this medication.

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used if appropriate

• In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce lower abdominal pain and discomfort due to urinary tract infections.

• However, these medications do not reduce the burning sensation during urination like phenazopyridine.

• Do not self-medicate with anti-inflammatory drugs if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, drug allergies, or if your doctor has advised against their use.

Severe pain requires medical evaluation

• If the pain is severe or does not improve after supportive medication, your doctor may prescribe appropriate pain relievers in combination with antibiotics.

• Once antibiotics start to control the infection, symptoms of urinary tract infection, painful urination, and urinary tract pain relief will usually improve within a few days.

• If pain increases, along with high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or flank pain, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of a kidney infection requiring urgent treatment.

Part 3: How to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections

Tip 1: Wear breathable cotton underwear

Prioritize cotton underwear to keep the intimate area dry

• When suffering from a urinary tract infection, keeping the intimate area clean and dry can help limit favorable conditions for bacterial growth.

• Underwear made of 100% cotton has good sweat absorption, allows air circulation, and reduces prolonged dampness.

• This is a simple habit that can support the process of treating painful urination and reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Avoid wearing underwear made of synthetic materials

• Fabrics like nylon or polyester tend to retain heat and moisture more than cotton.

• A moist environment around the intimate area can create conditions for bacteria to grow on the skin and around the urethra, increasing the risk of infection.

• If you have to wear tight clothing or are very active, change your underwear as soon as it becomes damp to keep the intimate area dry.

Choose loose, comfortable clothing

• In addition to the material, you should also prioritize well-fitting, not too tight underwear to reduce friction and limit irritation to the intimate area.

• Overly tight pants can increase temperature and humidity, making the discomfort from urinary tract infections more pronounced.

Maintain proper personal hygiene

• Change underwear daily or immediately after exercise, swimming, or heavy sweating.

• Wash underwear thoroughly with a mild detergent and dry completely before use.

• Combining cotton underwear with adequate hydration, not holding urine, and following your doctor's instructions will help support pain relief for urinary tract infections, treat painful urination, and contribute to reducing the risk of recurrence in the future.

Tip 2: Avoid scented products

Do not use scented bubble baths or soaps

• If you have a urinary tract infection, you should avoid using bubble baths, soaps, or shower gels with strong fragrances when cleaning your intimate area.

• Fragrances, colorants, or some preservatives can irritate the mucous membranes and skin around the urethral opening, making the sensation of painful or burning urination more uncomfortable.

• While these products do not directly cause urinary tract infections, irritation can weaken the skin's natural protective barrier and create favorable conditions for bacterial growth.

Prioritize gentle, unscented products

• Choose hygiene products with a gentle, unscented formula and a pH suitable for the intimate area.

• In many cases, simply washing the intimate area with clean water or a doctor-recommended product is sufficient for daily hygiene.

• Avoid douching deep into the vagina as this can disrupt the natural microbial balance and increase the risk of infection.

Proper hygiene to aid recovery

• After showering or cleaning, gently dry the intimate area with a clean towel before dressing.

• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change underwear daily to limit moisture buildup.

• Combining proper hygiene with adequate hydration and following your doctor's instructions will help treat painful urination, relieve pain from urinary tract infections, and reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Tip 3: Wipe the intimate area correctly

Wipe from front to back to limit bacterial invasion

• After using the toilet, women and girls should wipe the intimate area from front to back (from the vulva towards the anus).

• This habit helps prevent bacteria from the anus and feces from moving to the urethral opening, thereby reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

• This is a simple hygiene measure recommended by many medical guidelines to prevent urinary tract infections.

Do not wipe in the opposite direction

• Wiping from back to front can accidentally transfer intestinal bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli), closer to the urethra.

• This is a common cause of urinary tract infections in women due to the short urethra and its proximity to the anus.

• If you frequently experience recurrent infections, adjusting your hygiene habits can help reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Maintain gentle hygiene after each toilet use

• Use clean, soft toilet paper and wipe gently to avoid damaging the sensitive skin.

• Each wipe should use a clean section of paper or new paper to limit the spread of bacteria.

• After cleaning, keep the intimate area dry and wear breathable underwear to limit a moist environment.

Combine with other preventive habits

• In addition to wiping correctly, drink plenty of water, do not hold urine, and urinate after sexual intercourse to help cleanse the urinary tract.

• Maintaining proper hygiene habits will help support painful urination treatment, urinary tract pain relief during treatment, and also reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in the future.

Tip 4: Urinate after intercourse

Urinate immediately after intercourse to reduce infection risk

• Sexual intercourse can transfer bacteria from the skin around the genitals closer to the urethral opening. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections, especially in women.

• Urinating within 15–30 minutes after intercourse helps the urine flow wash away some of the bacteria that may have entered the urethra, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

• This is a simple preventive measure recommended by many urology experts for individuals who frequently experience recurrent urinary tract infections.

Combine proper hygiene before and after intercourse

• Both partners should gently clean the intimate area with clean water or a mild product before and after intercourse.

• Avoid using strongly scented products as they can irritate the urethra and intimate area.

• Drinking a glass of water after intercourse can also help you urinate more easily, aiding in cleansing the urinary tract.

Do not hold urine after intercourse

• If you feel the urge to urinate, go to the bathroom immediately instead of holding it.

• This habit helps prevent bacteria from remaining in the urethra and bladder, contributing to reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and supporting the treatment of painful urination in those prone to recurrence.

Note if symptoms appear after intercourse

• If you frequently experience painful urination, frequent urination, or pain during urination after each sexual encounter, seek medical attention to determine the cause and implement appropriate preventive measures.

• Combining urination after intercourse, adequate hydration, proper hygiene, and following your doctor's instructions will help relieve pain from urinary tract infections, limit recurrence, and protect long-term urinary tract health.

Part 4: Signs and causes of urinary tract infections

Note 1: Recognize signs of a urinary tract infection

Painful and burning urination are common symptoms

• A burning sensation or sharp pain during urination is a typical symptom of a urinary tract infection.

• The discomfort can gradually increase over time if left untreated, making urination painful and affecting daily life.

• If you are looking to treat painful urination, this is one of the early signs that needs to be monitored to address the correct cause.

Constant urge to urinate but little urine output

• Individuals with urinary tract infections often experience a sudden and urgent need to urinate, which is very difficult to hold.

• Despite frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the day, only a small amount of urine is passed each time, and there is still a feeling of not having fully emptied the bladder.

Abnormal urine discoloration

• Urine may turn red, pink, or dark brown like cola due to the presence of blood.

• This is a sign that the urinary tract lining is damaged or inflamed and needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

• If blood in urine is significant or prolonged, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

• Women with urinary tract infections often feel pain, pressure, or heaviness in the lower abdomen, especially in the area directly above the pubic bone.

• The pain can be dull or increase when the bladder is full and decrease after urination.

Unusual urine odor

• Urine that smells strong or more foul than usual can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, especially when accompanied by painful urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine.

• However, urine odor can also change due to diet, insufficient fluid intake, or the use of certain medications. Therefore, it needs to be evaluated along with other symptoms.

When to seek immediate medical attention?

• Go to a medical facility if you have the following symptoms:

  • Painful or frequent urination lasting longer than 1–2 days.

  • Fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, or vomiting.

  • Significant blood in urine or foul-smelling urine accompanied by severe pain.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or worsening symptoms.

• Early detection and proper treatment will help relieve pain from urinary tract infections, treat painful urination effectively, and prevent complications such as kidney infection.

Note 2: Seek early medical attention for proper treatment

Do not just relieve pain and ignore treating the root cause

• Home remedies can help relieve pain from urinary tract infections and soothe painful urination, but they do not eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.

• If you only focus on treating painful urination without addressing the cause, the urinary tract infection can linger or worsen.

• Most cases of bacterial urinary tract infections require a doctor's evaluation to determine if antibiotics are needed.

When to see a doctor?

• You should visit a medical facility if:

  • Symptoms do not improve or worsen after about 24–48 hours despite rest and home care.

  • Painful, frequent, or painful urination persists.

  • Fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, or vomiting appear.

  • Blood in the urine or frequently recurring symptoms.

• This could be a sign that the infection has spread to the kidneys or requires specialized treatment to prevent complications.

Use antibiotics as prescribed

• If the cause is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic based on your condition and risk factors.

• Take the medication at the correct dose, at the correct time, and for the full course, even if symptoms improve after a few days.

• Stopping the medication early can prevent bacteria from being completely eliminated, increasing the risk of recurrence and antibiotic resistance.

Follow up if treatment is ineffective

• If symptoms do not improve or worsen after approximately 48–72 hours of antibiotic use, return to the medical facility for reassessment.

• The doctor may order a urinalysis, urine culture, or change the treatment regimen if necessary.

Women may require a gynecological exam

• For sexually active women, the doctor may consider a gynecological exam if other conditions with similar symptoms to a urinary tract infection are suspected, such as vaginitis or sexually transmitted infections.

• Accurate diagnosis of the cause will help treat painful urination and reduce discomfort from UTIs more effectively, as well as limit the risk of future recurrence.

Note 3: Recognizing recurrent urinary tract infections

Determine if you have recurrent urinary tract infections

• If you have had a urinary tract infection 3 or more times within 12 months, or twice within 6 months, your doctor may diagnose it as a recurrent urinary tract infection.

• This condition not only causes repeated painful urination, frequent urination, and discomfort but also affects the quality of life if the underlying cause is not found.

Incomplete bladder emptying can increase risk

• If a significant amount of urine remains in the bladder after each urination, bacteria have more time to multiply and grow.

• This is one of the factors that increases the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections and makes treating painful urination more difficult.

• Some causes of urinary retention or incomplete emptying include bladder dysfunction, urinary stones, or urinary tract obstruction.

Further testing may be needed to find the cause

• If you experience frequent urinary tract infections, your doctor may order certain tests or imaging to determine the cause.

• Ultrasound of the urinary system is often the first preferred method to assess the bladder, kidneys, and detect abnormalities such as stones or obstructions.

• In some cases, CT scans or other diagnostic techniques may be indicated if the doctor suspects structural abnormalities or complications.

Actively prevent recurrence

• Drinking enough water, not holding urine, urinating after sex, and proper genital hygiene are measures to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• If you frequently experience urinary tract infections, discuss a long-term monitoring plan and appropriate preventive measures with your doctor based on your health condition.

Do not be complacent if the disease recurs frequently

• Reducing discomfort from urinary tract infections only temporarily improves symptoms, while the important thing is to identify and treat the cause of recurrence.

• Early examination and treatment will help treat painful urination more effectively, reduce the risk of urinary tract damage, and limit long-term complications.

Do not underestimate urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection is common but requires proper treatment

• Urinary tract infection is one of the most common infections, especially in women. It can cause painful urination, frequent urination, urgent urination, lower abdominal pain, and significantly affect daily life.

• In most cases caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen, helping to reduce discomfort from UTIs, improve symptoms, and prevent complications.

• Self-treatment at home without examination can lead to prolonged illness or frequent recurrence.

Men with urinary tract infections need early examination

• Urinary tract infections are less common in men than in women. Therefore, when they do occur, they can be a sign of an underlying health problem such as urinary stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture, or abnormalities in the urinary system.

• Men with symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or fever should not self-medicate but should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.

Early treatment reduces the risk of complications

• If diagnosed and treated promptly, most cases of urinary tract infection will improve quickly and fully recover.

• Conversely, delayed treatment can increase the risk of infection spreading to the kidneys, frequent recurrence, or other complications, especially in the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.

Adhere to treatment for effective relief of painful urination

• Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, drink plenty of water, and maintain healthy hygiene habits throughout the treatment process.

• Combining proper treatment of the cause with appropriate care measures will help treat painful urination, reduce discomfort from UTIs, and limit the risk of recurrence in the future.

References

1. Hooton, T. M., Gupta, K. (2025). Acute Simple Cystitis in Adults. UpToDate.
2. European Association of Urology. (2025). EAU Guidelines on Urological Infections. European Association of Urology.
3. Gupta, K., Hooton, T. M., Naber, K. G., Wullt, B., Colgan, R., Miller, L. G., Moran, G. J., Nicolle, L. E., Raz, R., Schaeffer, A. J., & Soper, D. E. (2011). International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: A 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(5), e103–e120.
4. Nicolle, L. E., Gupta, K., Bradley, S. F., Colgan, R., DeMuri, G. P., Drekonja, D., Eckert, L. O., Geerlings, S. E., Köves, B., Hooton, T. M., Juthani-Mehta, M., Schaeffer, A. J., & others. (2019). Clinical practice guideline for the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria: 2019 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 68(10), e83–e110.
5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Urinary tract infection (lower): antimicrobial prescribing (NG109). NICE.
6. American Urological Association. (2019). Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline. American Urological Association.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Antibiotic Use and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Urinary Tract Infection in Adults. National Institutes of Health.
9. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.
10. Merck Manual Professional Edition. (2025). Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Merck & Co., Inc.

Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Michael Anderson.