How long urinary tract infection can last

This typically will involve taking urine samples to look for bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, and to test chemicals in the urine such as nitrites. In other cases, blood tests, CT scans, kidney scans, or ultrasounds may be ordered to diagnose the infection. For mild lower urinary tract infections bladder infection , most patients will be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent the UTI from spreading to their kidneys. Women generally take antibiotics for 3 days whereas men take them for days or more.

In some cases, a single dose of antibiotic is sufficient. Should the patient be pregnant, have diabetes, or a mild kidney infection, antibiotics are taken for 7 to 14 days. Lower urinary tract infection symptoms typically begin to clear up within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. Regardless of the type of infection, it is important that the patient finish the antibiotic for the full course of treatment even if symptoms begin to clear up.

Failure to finish the antibiotics could lead to the infection recurring and it becoming resistant to antibiotics. Should a urinary tract infection become severe and spread to the upper urinary tract kidneys , treatment also typically involves antibiotics. Back to Health A to Z. Urinary tract infections UTIs affect your urinary tract, including your bladder cystitis , urethra urethritis or kidneys kidney infection.

UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed. These symptoms suggest a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to You'll be asked about your symptoms and may need to give a urine sample.

Your doctor or nurse may offer self-care advice and recommend taking a painkiller. They may give you a prescription for antibiotics if they think you may need them. Kidneys -- An infection of one or both kidneys is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection. Ureters -- The tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder are rarely the only site of infection.

Urethra -- An infection of the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside is called urethritis. The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI: Diabetes Advanced age and conditions that affect personal care habits such as Alzheimer disease and delirium Problems emptying the bladder completely Having a urinary catheter Bowel incontinence Enlarged prostate , narrowed urethra , or anything that blocks the flow of urine Kidney stones Staying still immobile for a long period of time for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture Pregnancy Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract.

Exams and Tests. Most of the time, you will need to provide a urine sample for the following tests: Urinalysis -- This test is done to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and to test chemicals such as nitrites in the urine. This test can diagnose an infection most of the time. Clean-catch urine culture -- This test may be done to identify the bacteria and determine the best antibiotic for treatment.

You may also need the following tests to help rule out other problems in your urinary system: CT scan of the abdomen Intravenous pyelogram IVP Kidney scan Kidney ultrasound Voiding cystourethrogram.

For a simple bladder infection, you will take antibiotics for 3 days women or 7 to 14 days men. If you are pregnant or have diabetes, or have a mild kidney infection, you will most often take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. Finish all of the antibiotics, even if you feel better. If you do not finish the whole dose of medicine, the infection may return and be harder to treat later. Always drink plenty of water when you have a bladder or kidney infection.

Tell your provider if you might be pregnant before taking these drugs. Your provider may suggest that you: Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual contact to prevent an infection. Have a 3-day course of antibiotics at home to use if you develop an infection. Take a single, daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infections. You may also be admitted to the hospital if you: Are an older adult Have kidney stones or changes in the anatomy of your urinary tract Have recently had urinary tract surgery Have cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or other medical problems Are pregnant and have a fever or are otherwise ill At the hospital, you will receive fluids and antibiotics through a vein.

Outlook Prognosis. Possible Complications. Complications may include: Life-threatening blood infection sepsis -- The risk is greater among the young, very old adults, and people whose bodies cannot fight infections for example, due to HIV or cancer chemotherapy.