Online UTI treatment: antibiotics prescription available
Speak to a board-certified doctor securely from your phone or computer and get an online prescription for UTI treatment. Antibiotics are extremely effective in treating UTIs and are often necessary to clear the infection before it spreads to the kidneys. Our doctors also write refills on existing medications.*
- Rapid antibiotic prescriptions for UTI*
- Personalized UTI Treatment Plans
- Hygiene tips for UTI prevention
Learn about UTIs (urinary tract infections)
A urinary tract infection or UTI happens when bacteria enter and travel up the urethra, infecting parts of the urinary tract. There are several types of UTIs depending on the part of the urinary tract that is infected (beginning from the urethra):
Urethritis refers to an infection of the urethra. The urethra is a tube through which bladder urine is passed outside the body.
Cystitis refers to an infection of the bladder. As the bacteria move up the urethra, they may infect the bladder.
Pyelonephritis, also referred to as a kidney infection, happens when the bacteria have moved up the urinary tract. It can also happen when a blockage in the urinary tract causes the urine to back up into the kidneys. This type of infection is rare.
UTI causes
A UTI is caused by bacteria that enter and infect the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The most typical cause of UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is commonly found in the digestive tract, but can also be present in the urinary tract. Other bacteria that can cause UTIs include Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus.
UTIs can occur when bacteria from the bowel or skin enter the urinary tract through the urethra. There are some things that can increase the risk of developing a UTI, including:
Being female: Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to having a shorter urethra, which makes it more common for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Sexual activity: Being sexually active can introduce an overgrowth of bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of a UTI.
Urinary tract abnormalities: Certain structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, including an enlarged prostate or kidney stones, can both increase the risk of UTIs.
Catheter use: Catheters are tubes inserted into the bladder to drain urine and can increase the risk of UTIs.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of UTIs by weakening the immune system and making it more difficult to fight infections.
Practicing good hygiene can prevent UTIs. This can include wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, staying hydrated, and urinating after sexual activity.
UTI symptoms
A UTI is caused by bacteria that enter and infect the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The most typical cause of UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is commonly found in the digestive tract, but can also be present in the urinary tract. Other bacteria that can cause UTIs include Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus.
Urethra (urethritis symptoms)
Burning sensation during urination
Discharge
Bladder (cystitis symptoms)
Frequent urge to urinate despite having an empty bladder
Increase in urination frequency
Burning sensation during urination
Bloody urine
Pressure in pelvic region
Discomfort in lower abdomen
Kidneys (pyelonephritis symptoms)
High fever
Chills and shaking
Pain in the lower back or the side
Vomiting
Nausea
How to treat a UTI
UTI treatments usually consist of a round of antibiotics. After diagnosis, your doctor will evaluate the best treatment plan for you based on the type and severity of your urinary tract infection. Then, they will prescribe you UTI antibiotics such as trimethoprim, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, or others.
In addition to antibiotics, there are several steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing:
Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen or Tylenol, can help reduce pain and fever.
Urinate frequently: Urinating can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
Practice good hygiene: When using the bathroom, wash from front to back, avoid irritating feminine products, and wear loose-fitting clothing to help prevent UTIs.
If symptoms do not get better within three days of starting antibiotics, or if they worsen or new symptoms develop, it is vital to contact your doctor, as this may indicate a more severe or resistant infection.
How to prevent UTIs
You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:
Stay well hydrated and drink water everyday
Take showers instead of baths
For females, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from going to the urethra
Urinate after sexual activity
Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area
However, note that there are some factors that can increase a person’s risk of getting UTI:
Sex: Females tend to contract UTIs more commonly due to anatomy, as their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum.
Age: Young children and older adults have higher risks of developing UTIs.
Previous UTI: If you have contracted a UTI before, you are more likely to contract it again.
Pregnancy
Conditions that cause changes in bacteria in the vagina, such as menopause or the use of spermicides
Being sexually active
Structural issues with parts of the urinary tract, for example, if you have an enlarged prostate, you tend to have higher risk
When to see a doctor for UTI treatment
See your primary care physician when you experience symptoms of UTIs. UTIs are treatable with prescription antibiotics. Your doctor can determine if you have a UTI by performing one or more of the following:
Medical history review
Physical examination
Urinalysis, which involves collecting a urine sample and analyzing it with lab tests
For UTIs that keeps returning (also known as recurrent UTIs) despite antibiotics, your doctor may perform other tests to examine the structure of the urinary tract:
Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a viewing device is placed through the urethra to perform an internal examination.
Kidney and bladder ultrasound: These use sound waves to produce images of the bladder and kidneys. This test can be used to check for kidney stones, blockages, or a tumor.
Intravenous pyelogram: This refers to X-rays of the ureters, bladder, and kidney with the aid of a contrast dye. This test can reveal tumors, kidney stones, or blockages.
What to know about UTIs
What is the fastest way to cure a UTI?
Prescription UTI antibiotics is the fastest and most effective way to cure a UTI. They usually begin working quickly to take care of uncomfortable symptoms. UTI antibiotics can completely get rid of a urinary tract infection in a few days, but you may start feeling better sooner than that. After your diagnosis, one of our board-licensed doctors can prescribe UTI antibiotics online for treatment of UTI if you qualify.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
While antibiotics are often prescribed as a UTI treatment, an uncomplicated UTI may go away on its own. However, it is often more challenging to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics. Left untreated, urinary tract infections can spread and cause kidney infections, which is why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
How long does it take for a UTI to turn into a kidney infection?
Most people seek medical help and receive treatment before they get to this point.
The progression to a kidney infection typically takes some time and doesn’t happen immediately. However, the exact duration can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s immune system, the type of bacteria involved, and other underlying health conditions.
How long does UTI back pain last?
However, untreated UTIs can cause severe infection and complications. Constant, dull, or severe pain can signify a kidney infection. Unlike muscular pain, this pain will be persistent and unrelieved by any alleviating factors. UTI back pain will last until you begin antibiotic treatment for your UTI.
A UTI that has spread to the kidneys is a serious infection that will typically not go away on its own. It’s extremely dangerous for an infection of this nature to go untreated.
If you are experiencing back pain from a UTI speak to one of our doctors immediately, as you’ll likely need antibiotics.
UTIs typically cause lower abdominal pain and not back pain. Lower abdominal pain can last 2-3 days with a UTI and longer for untreated UTIs.
Do you need a prescription for UTI antibiotics?
Request antibiotics for treatment from one of our top doctors at PlushCare today. You can then pick up your prescriptions at your local pharmacy.
When do antibiotics start working for a UTI?
Even if you feel better, continue and finish the whole course of antibiotics to ensure that the bacteria is completely eradicated. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 48 hours, it may be likely that you are not suffering from a bacterial infection. You should talk to your prescribing doctor for follow-up treatment.
How do you get rid of lower back pain from a UTI?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before taking any, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
How long can a urinary tract infection last without treatment?
Urinary tract infections can last a week, but often even longer without proper treatment. Left untreated, a UTI could spread to the kidney and cause serious consequences. This is why it is important to speak to a doctor to treat urinary tract infections as soon as possible.