If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), it is best to see a healthcare provider who can diagnose and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Here are some things you can do to help manage UTI symptoms and prevent recurrence:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.

• Avoid irritants: Limit foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, soft drinks, and citrus.

• Urinate frequently: Avoid holding in your pee for too long.

• Use a heating pad: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help minimize bladder discomfort.

• Take pain medication: Ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.

• Complete your antibiotics: Take all of your prescribed antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.

• Consider preventive measures: If you get frequent UTIs, your healthcare provider may recommend low-dose antibiotics for a short time to prevent the infection from coming back. Other options include taking a single dose of an antibiotic after sex, which is a common infection trigger, or non-antibiotic prophylaxis treatment. Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements may also help prevent UTIs, but the evidence is mixed.

It is important to talk with a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a UTI. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to severe complications, including spreading to your kidneys.