Overview

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a term for an infection anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra. (The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.) Most UTIs are bladder infections. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate.

UTIs are caused by bacteria. This means they can be cured with antibiotics. Be sure to complete your treatment so that the infection does not get worse.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Drink extra water and other fluids for the next day or two. This will help make the urine less concentrated and help wash out the bacteria that are causing the infection. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.)
• Avoid carbonated drinks and drinks that have caffeine. They can irritate the bladder.
• Urinate often. Try to empty your bladder each time.
• To relieve pain, take a hot bath. Or you can lay a heating pad set on low over your lower belly or genital area. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.

To prevent UTIs

• Drink plenty of water each day. This helps you urinate often, which clears bacteria from your system. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.)
• Urinate when you need to.
• Keep the tip of your penis clean, especially if you are uncircumcised. The foreskin can trap bacteria, which can then get into the urinary tract and cause an infection.