Signs Your UTI Is Going Away

Whether it’s the persistent discomfort, the frequent trips to the bathroom, or the burning sensation that just won’t go away, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be challenging to deal with.

Although UTIs can affect people of both sexes and all ages, women are particularly susceptible to them. In fact, Canadian women make around 500,000 visits to their doctor each year due to UTIs, which most often occur when bacteria from the skin enter the urethra and move into the bladder. 

UTIs often cause pain and discomfort, and if symptoms last more than 48 hours, the infection will likely require a round of antibiotics. Since an untreated UTI poses serious health risks, you might wonder does a UTI go away on its own or if it requires medical treatment to clear up.

In this blog,  we cover the symptoms of a UTI, how it’s treated, and how to know when you’re in the clear. 

Understanding UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Most commonly, UTIs affect the lower part of the urinary tract—specifically the bladder and urethra—but in more severe cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious complications.

UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally reside in the intestines. These bacteria can migrate to the urethra and bladder, triggering an infection. Other factors like poor hygiene, holding in urine, or using certain products that disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the urinary tract can increase the risk of developing a UTI.

Although anyone can develop a UTI, certain individuals are more prone to them, including:

• Women: Due to their shorter urethra, bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder.
• Sexually active individuals: Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
• People using catheters: Catheters can introduce bacteria directly into the urinary system.
• Those with weakened immune systems: Conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of infection.
• Postmenopausal women: Hormonal changes can alter the urinary tract environment, making infections more likely.

Common symptoms of a UTI

It’s not always easy to tell if you have a urinary tract infection since symptoms can range from mild to intense. The most common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate, even though only small amounts may pass
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

If the infection becomes severe or moves into the kidneys, you may also experience:

• Fever or chills
• Blood or pus in your urine
• Vomiting
• Back pain in the kidney area

If you have any of these symptoms for longer than 48 hours, visit your healthcare provider, who will order a simple lab test to confirm the presence of bacteria in your urine. To collect a urine sample, you may be instructed to clean your genitals with a wet wipe to remove surface bacteria that might contaminate your sample, then release a small amount of urine before starting to collect the rest of the stream in a sterile jar. This is called a midstream urine collection.

Risk factors for UTIs

Although anyone can contract a urinary tract infection, some people are more susceptible than others. You may be at a higher risk for UTIs if you have diabetes, an abnormal urinary tract, or an indwelling urinary catheter.

Women have a higher prevalence of UTIs in general because their urethra is shorter than a man’s, and bacteria don’t need to travel as far to enter the bladder. Women who are in menopause are particularly susceptible due to a decrease in estrogen. and should take steps to help prevent recurring UTIs.

Although untreated UTIs carry serious risks for anyone, pregnant women are more likely to experience complications due to the physiological changes to the urinary tract system that make it easier for bacteria to travel from the bladder to the kidneys. Seek medical attention right away if you are pregnant and experiencing pain on urination; a UTI in pregnancy can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Some people are naturally more resistant to UTIs, often due to an overall healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of water, exercise, and sleep. But others — especially children, pregnant women, seniors, and those with a weakened immune system — may have a harder time recovering and a greater risk of complications and should seek medical care at the first sign of infection. 

While it’s possible for a mild UTI to resolve on its own within a day or two, antibiotics are usually needed to clear the infection. If your lab test indicates you have a UTI, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. As with any antibiotic, it’s important to follow the instructions and finish the prescribed dose, even if your symptoms go away after only a few days.

In the meantime, drink plenty of water, which helps to flush bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract, reduces discomfort, and supports recovery. Allow your bladder to fill as much as possible between bathroom visits, and empty it as much as possible when you go. 

Cranberry products may reduce the risk of UTIs in many, according to some studies. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PAC), a type of polyphenol that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. If you choose to supplement your water intake with cranberry juice, stick to 100% pure cranberry juice with no added sugars or cranberry in capsules.

Signs your UTI is going away

While it can take a few days for your symptoms to go away completely once you begin treatment, there will be noticeable signs your UTI is clearing up:

• Decreased burning, pain, and discomfort: You’ll notice less stinging or pain when urinating, and the pressure in your lower abdomen will gradually ease.
• Increasingly clear urine: The cloudy or dark color of your urine will lighten, returning to a clear or pale yellow shade, indicating reduced bacterial presence.
• Normal urination frequency and volume: Frequent urges to urinate will taper off, and you’ll pass urine in normal amounts without discomfort.
• No foul odour: As the infection clears, any unusual or strong-smelling urine will return to its regular, mild scent.
• No fever: A reduction or absence of fever suggests the infection has not spread and your body is recovering well.

Signs your UTI is getting worse

If your symptoms persist despite starting treatment or seem to worsen, it could indicate that the infection is not improving. In some cases, the bacteria causing the infection may be resistant to the prescribed antibiotic, or the infection may have spread to the kidneys. Watch for the following signs, which suggest your UTI might not be getting better:

• Persistent burning or discomfort during urination: If the pain doesn’t decrease after 48 hours of starting antibiotics, your medication may need to be adjusted.
• Frequent urination without relief: Constant urgency to urinate, even when the bladder is empty, can signal an unresolved infection.
• Fever or chills: A fever that develops or persists during treatment can indicate the infection has spread beyond the bladder.
• Blood in the urine: While blood can be a symptom at the onset of a UTI, its persistence during treatment is a red flag.
• Pain in the lower back or side: This could indicate the infection has reached the kidneys, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: If urine remains discolored or odorous even after starting antibiotics, the infection might not be clearing up as expected.

How to prevent UTIs

UTIs are largely preventable with a little knowledge and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of UTIs and promote faster recovery if you end up with one.

• Empty your bladder when the urge strikes since bacteria flourish in warm, wet environments.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to avoid introducing bacteria to your urethra.
• Urinate immediately after sex, and rinse the area.
• Avoid scented feminine products, spermicides, and diaphragms, which can affect the pH balance and contribute to bacteria growth.
• Take showers instead of baths whenever possible. If you bathe, avoid bubble baths, bath oils, and other scented bath products.
• Drink plenty of water, and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in added sugars.
• Get plenty of sleep to support your immune system.
• Take a probiotic supplement — or eat fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, like yogurt, kimchi, or miso — to promote the growth of healthy bacteria.

When to consult a healthcare provider

It’s important to seek medical care at the first sign of UTI symptoms. But if you’re one of the 6.5 million Canadians without a family doctor and you don’t have time to wait in line at urgent care, Maple makes it easy to access a doctor or nurse practitioner over secure text, audio, or video call from the comfort of your own home. Maple can connect you with a Canadian-licensed physician or nurse practitioner 24/7/365 who can order a lab test and prescribe antibiotics, if necessary.

Dealing with a UTI can be uncomfortable and stressful, but knowing the signs of recovery can provide peace of mind. By understanding the symptoms, UTI prevention, and what to expect from the healing journey, you can better manage your health and well-being.

Remember, if you experience persistent symptoms or complications, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial.

Information presented here is for educational purposes, and not 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 difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.