Instant UTI Relief Tips | How to Relieve UTI Pain

If you’re experiencing discomfort when you pee, you’re not alone. You might be dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are quite common, especially among women. According to the Kidney Foundation, Canadian women make 500,000 doctor visits each year because of UTIs.

Luckily, there are many treatment options and ways to alleviate symptoms, from natural to medical. UTIs may go away on their own, but if not and left untreated, the infection can spread to your kidneys and cause lasting damage. Taking action now is a smart move for your health and well-being in the long term. 

In this blog, we cover how to relieve UTI pain and symptoms so you can get better faster.

What is a UTI?

The urinary tract is a system that includes your bladder and kidneys and is responsible for making urine and funneling it out of your body. A UTI occurs when bacteria or, less often, fungi slip into the system, usually through the urethra and into the bladder, causing an infection. UTIs are often called bladder infections since that’s where most infections occur.

How Do you Get a UTI? Why are They More Common in Women?

You’re probably wondering: How do bacteria get into the urinary tract? Typically, it comes from stool and gets inside the body through your urethra; things that block or irritate the urinary tract can cause a UTI.

Factors Increasing the Risk of a UTI

• Urinary obstruction from stones, an enlarged prostate, or some cancers.
• Certain health conditions that increase the risk of infections, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
• A weakened immune system.

Why Are Women at Higher Risk?

It is estimated that women are at 30% greater risk for UTIs. This is because the urethra is shorter in length, making for a shorter distance for bacteria to get inside the urinary tract from the outside. The urethra and anus are in closer proximity, making it easy for bacteria on the surface of the skin from stool to make its way to the urethra.

Activities That Increase UTI Risks

• Sexual Activity: Bacteria can move around the genital area during sex, and oral sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra. Peeing after sex may help reduce the risk of infection.
• Spermicide Use: Spermicide-coated condoms can alter the vaginal flora, making it easier for infections to occur.
• Diaphragm Use: Diaphragms can press on the urethra, reducing bladder emptying and increasing infection risk.
• Menopause: Reduced estrogen levels can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, raising the likelihood of infection.

How is a UTI diagnosed?

The most common symptom of a UTI is pain or burning when peeing. You may also have frequent urges to pee yet only pass small amounts each time. Other signs include:

• Cloudy Urine: Urine may appear foggy or murky.
• Pink or Red-tinted Urine: This could indicate blood in the urine.
• Pelvic Pain: Discomfort or pain may occur in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone.

Symptoms of a Worsening UTI (Kidney Involvement)

If a UTI worsens and spreads to the kidneys, additional symptoms may develop, including:

• Fever: A common sign of infection.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often occurs as the infection intensifies.
• Chills: Signifying a systemic infection.
• Flank Pain: Pain on either side of the back, just below the ribs, is a key symptom of kidney involvement.

When a UTI spreads to the kidneys, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to urosepsis—a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Identifying early signs of a UTI and seeking UTI pain relief can prevent escalation and protect overall health.

Home Remedies for UTI Discomfort

When dealing with a UTI, giving your body time to rest and recover is essential. However, symptoms like frequent urges to urinate or pelvic pain can make rest difficult. Here are some effective home remedies for UTI discomfort that can provide instant UTI relief and help ease your symptoms: Here’s what can help soothe your symptoms:

• Drink More Water: Staying hydrated can help flush out bacteria and prevent infection. However, the amount of water may vary based on individual health needs; certain conditions, like chronic kidney disease or heart failure, may limit fluid intake.
• Avoid Irritating Drinks: Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and citrus juices can irritate the bladder, potentially intensifying symptoms like frequent urination. Opt for water and gentle herbal teas instead.
• Limit Fluid Intake Before Bed: Reducing fluids in the evening can decrease nighttime trips to the bathroom, allowing for more restful sleep.
• Try Cranberry Juice: Some studies suggest that cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, and many people find it helps relieve symptoms faster when used alongside treatment.
• Apply Heat to Your Lower Abdomen: Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your pelvis or abdomen can increase blood flow and help alleviate aches.
• Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Choose loose and breathable clothing to keep the area dry and prevent irritation, as tight clothing may aggravate discomfort.
• Change Sanitary Products Regularly: Frequently changing sanitary pads or tampons can help maintain dryness and reduce irritation.
• Consult a Doctor for Medications: For persistent pain, talk to your healthcare provider about UTI pain relief options like antibiotics or pain medication to manage symptoms effectively.

These UTI relief at-home strategies can help manage symptoms while your body heals. If symptoms persist, ask a healthcare provider to explore additional treatment options.

Medical Treatments for UTI Relief

While home remedies for UTI discomfort may provide instant UTI relief for symptoms, they are typically not enough to cure the infection. UTIs usually require antibiotics for full recovery.

1. Antibiotics as Primary Treatment

The prescribed antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria detected in your urine sample. Healthcare providers often recommend a course lasting no more than a week. It’s essential to complete the antibiotic regimen as prescribed, even if you feel better before finishing it, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance can make future infections harder to treat, making UTI relief more challenging in the long run.

2. Over-the-counter Treatments

Although over-the-counter products are available, they are generally not recommended for treating UTIs. Incomplete or improper treatment may allow the infection to spread, potentially reaching the kidneys and, in severe cases, causing a life-threatening infection throughout the body. These products may offer temporary comfort for instant UTI relief, but they don’t address the root infection.

3. New Treatments for Chronic UTIs

For those who experience frequent UTIs, a promising solution may be on the horizon. As of 2023, a UTI vaccine is awaiting approval by Health Canada, which could take up to two years. This innovative approach aims to reduce the frequency of infections in individuals with recurrent UTIs.

Preventive Measures for UTIs

The good news is that UTIs can be prevented — the key is to reduce the opportunities for bacteria to sneak inside the urethra. It’s widely known to wipe front to back to prevent introducing bacteria from the anus to the urethra, but old studies haven’t proven this to be true. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to encourage frequent urination, which helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Post-Sex Urination: Empty your bladder after sexual activity to help wash away bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Regular washing can help keep the genital area clean.
• Choose Showers Over Baths: Showers can help reduce exposure to bacteria that may be present in bathwater.
• Avoid Irritating Products: Steer clear of irritating products around the genital area, such as douches or heavily perfumed soaps.
• Change Sanitary Products Regularly: Switch pads and tampons regularly to help maintain dryness and reduce bacterial growth.
• Wear Breathable Fabrics: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and loose-fitting clothes to allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
• Cranberry Juice or Supplements: Cranberry contains a natural compound that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining, potentially reducing infection risk.

When to Seek Medical Help

While home remedies for UTI discomfort may help soothe symptoms, an antibiotic is often required to fully cure the infection. 

If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or you have blood in your urine, visit your doctor or a walk-in clinic for a prescription, and you’ll likely feel better within just a few days. 

If you experience more severe symptoms such as fever or vomiting, visit a doctor immediately, as that may be a sign the infection has spread to your kidneys.

If you’re having trouble dealing with the pain and thinking about traveling to your doctor sounds unappealing, primary care providers on Maple can help. Doctors and nurse practitioners are available 24/7/365 to connect with you in minutes over secure text, audio, or video calls within minutes so you can get sorted with what you need. They can talk to you about any symptoms and offer advice on managing symptoms and preventing recurrent or future UTIs.

While home remedies for UTI discomfort can help ease mild symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a complete treatment plan. Timely intervention with antibiotics can prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to your kidneys, ensuring a full recovery.

Adopting preventive habits, such as staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene, can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurring infections.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulty breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.