It may take up to a week when you have a serious illness or other underlying condition.

The symptoms of the urinary tract infection (UTI) may feel as if they last for a long time. In reality, time doesn’t really go by at a rapid pace when you’re constantly rushing to the bathroom, and it appears like you’re peeing hot razor blades. What is the length of time an average UTI last?

The answer is that it depends. If you’re suffering from a UTI within the bladder (the most commonly occurring place to get them) You’ll be looking at anything from one to seven days, according to Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, an urologist as well as associate professor in urologic oncology in the Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica, California.

“But if you have a kidney infection, it will take 14 days to treat,” she says.

Let’s review of how long it takes for an UTI to be cleared up as well as some suggestions for finding relief quickly.

How long will an UTI endure?

Although the majority of UTIs will last for no more than one week, there’s many variables that determine the time you’ll feel better and the moment when your body is able to completely eliminate the bacteria.

When deciding the length of time that a UTI’s likely take to heal, the primary factor to think about is whether the UTI is considered to be simple or complex. According to it is stated in the American Urological Association (AUA) states, simple UTIs are much more frequent than complex UTIs (more on that in a moment). They usually occur within the urinary tract of lower origin (usually within the bladder) and do not have any other issues that can cause them to be more difficult to manage.

The length of time an uncomplicated UTI will last varies based on the treatment you take (if you do anything) to cure it. Sometimes, the body’s immune system will eliminate the bacteria without assistance from medication according to Courtenay Moore MD Urologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Health Centre.

“If untreated, a UTI would typically take about three to seven days to fight off on your own,” Dr. Moore tells Health.

However antibiotics are regarded as to be the “gold standard” for UTI treatment. It’s always an ideal idea to have symptoms of UTI examined by a medical professional.

Doctors typically give patients who exhibit UTI symptoms an antibiotic prescription that they believe will destroy the pathogen. They’ll also test an urine sample to determine what’s happening. After the lab results are back (usually within about a day or two) The doctor could shift you to an alternative antibiotic that is more effective at getting rid of the particular bacteria that cause the illness.

“Antibiotics will hasten the cure of the infection. Most of the time, you’ll have symptomatic improvement within 36 hours,” says Dr. Moore.

So, after you’ve been given an appropriate medication to fight the bacteria that cause your UTI and you’ll be feeling better (ah delicious relief! )–but it’s not the same as having been “cured.” Even if you’re no more having a continuous urge to go to the bathroom (or other signs of UTI) UTI) however, the bacteria responsible for it may still be hanging around, according to the doctor. Moore.

It is typical to require antibiotics for three to five days total until the UTI is fully cleared Dr. Moore points out.

While it’s tempting to quit taking your medications as soon as your symptoms improve, completing the prescribed antibiotics is vitally important.

“What can happen is if you take part of your course of antibiotics and don’t completely eradicate all the bacteria, you can create a strain of bacteria that’s resistant to the antibiotics,” Dr. Linehan tells Health.

And, even more importantly, those bacteria can multiply, causing an infection that is more difficult to treat and may be more severe. Take all antibiotics recommended by your doctor for your safety.

What is the length of time an intricate UTI endure?

Complex UTIs may last for a few weeks. As per the American Urological Association, a range of factors could determine the severity of the UTI is difficult to treat, including:

whether you’re pregnant , post-menopausal or a pregn

If it’s caused by a bacteria that is resistant to many medications

There is something unusual in the kidneys (such like kidney stones)

If you own an stent, catheter or nephrostomy tubes. other medical devices

If you suffer from an ongoing condition, such as an immune system

If you’ve developed a serious UTI it’s likely that you’ll require treatment that includes a longer duration of oral antibiotics and possibly intravenous antibiotics in accordance with the AUA. While treatment is expected to last up to 14 days, the patient will get better faster. “As your body starts to fight infection, that burning with urination will improve,” Dr. Moore.

When will the kidneys get infected?

If the bacterial strains from an infection in your bladder reach your kidneys, you’re in an even more serious problem. The kidney problem (or pyelonephritis) may take up to 14 days to heal by treatment, according to AUA.

In contrast to a common bladder issue, kidney infections are not going to go away by itself. You’ll require a more prolonged course of antibiotics, usually via the use of an intravenous (IV) for few days prior to changing to oral, AUA explains.

You could be suffering from an infection in your kidneys if you are suffering from symptoms of UTI with chills, fever and/or pain in your back abdomen, or side. These are warning signs to seek treatment immediately. This kind of UTI could cause irreparable damage to the kidneys, and can even cause sepsis, a severe immune reaction that can be fatal.

When will UTIs last for males?

UTIs can persist for as long as 14 days for men According to AUA. Men are more likely to contract UTIs however when they do develop this kind of infection, it’s deemed complex and is treated in the same timeframe as more complicated UTIs for women.

The AUA suggests that men are prescribed antibiotics for a period of seven to 14 days in the event that they suffer from a bladder infection. In the case of kidney infections patients must seek medical attention promptly to avoid developing getting a serious illness and are likely to be on antibiotics for 14 consecutive days. The first few days may require IV antibiotics at the hospital. If all goes well, your doctor will change you into oral antibiotics during the remainder of the course of treatment.

How do you help a UTI be less painful?

The majority of the time, UTIs go away pretty quickly. Most of the time, symptoms are gone within a few days. The bacteria are completely eliminated after using antibiotics for three to seven days, as per the AUA. But there are ways to accelerate your healing.

Here are some suggestions that could help make an UTI disappear faster (or at the very least, help to feel more comfortable):

Be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent pee breaks. Every time you pee you flush some bacteria from your system So drinking plenty of water can help eliminate the UTI quicker, according to Dr. Moore. In addition, being hydrated can help to avoid a second infection. A study from 2018 JAMA Internal Medicine study found that bladder-related infections who consumed more than 1.5 liters of water each day (on on top of the amount they normally consumed) were less prone to UTIs that those who did not increase their water intake.

Avoid caffeine. Avoid your morning cup of coffee if you are suffering from UTI. Studies have shown that caffeine-rich drinks can make symptoms of urinary tract more severe.

Make use of an heating pad to heat. UTIs aren’t just making you pee uncomfortable, they can also make your abdomen and back sore. A heating pad can ease pain and help keep your body more relaxed.

You can try painkillers that are available over the counter. The pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol can alleviate some discomfort while you wait for the antibiotics’ effects to show.

The majority of the time, the numbing pain of an UTI is gone within a week or two following the start of treatment, so you can rest sure that relief is coming soon. Make sure you take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent a second infection that’s more difficult for treatment than the initial one.