How Long Does a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Typically Last?

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’re likely familiar with the discomfort it can bring. UTI symptoms often include a burning sensation when you urinate and a frequent, urgent need to pee. It’s normal to wonder how long a UTI will last and what you can do to relieve symptoms. 

Many people feel better within a week, especially if they take antibiotics. But the length of a UTI can depend on several things. Let’s take a closer look at the typical UTI recovery times and what you can do to feel better faster. 

How long does a UTI last on average?

UTIs typically last from a few days to a week. Your overall health can affect how long a UTI lasts. People with weakened immune systems can have a harder time clearing a urinary tract infection. 

The number of days UTI symptoms last also depends on: 

• Where the infection is

• How severe the infection is

• When you start treating the UTI

UTIs can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated. Generally, a complicated UTI takes longer to treat. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between uncomplicated and complicated UTI. 

Uncomplicated UTIs

Uncomplicated UTIs are the most common type. They tend to be easier to treat and faster to resolve. You’ll likely recognize the symptoms:

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Blood in your urine

• Cloudy or smelly urine

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate

• Pain in your pelvic area

For uncomplicated UTIs, relief often begins 1 to 2 days after starting antibiotic treatment. But even if your symptoms improve, be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics. This’ll help to make sure the infection fully clears and reduces the chance of lingering or recurrent infections.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Prevent future urinary tract infections (UTIs): Get tips from our medical team to help lower your chances of developing a UTI. 

• How serious is your UTI? Understanding the differences between complicated and uncomplicated UTIs can help you know when to get help and which treatment may be the best for you.

• Compare over-the-counter (OTC) options: OTC medications can’t cure a UTI. But they can help ease your symptoms.

Complicated UTIs

As the name suggests, complicated UTIs have a higher risk for complications. They’re more likely to develop in people with:

• Structural issues in their urinary tract

• Older age

• Health conditions that weaken their immune system, like diabetes or pregnancy

Complicated UTIs can linger from weeks to even months. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) antibiotics are necessary to treat serious infections. So be sure to get medical attention if you have symptoms like: 

• Fever

• Pain in your lower back or side

• Nausea and vomiting

• Achy joints or muscles

Do you need to get antibiotics for a UTI?

Up to 2 in 5 uncomplicated UTIs can get better on their own without antibiotics. But healthcare professionals usually recommend antibiotics, as they’re the most effective treatment. Antibiotics work by stopping the bacteria that cause the UTI. 

Most people don’t have risks of kidney damage or long-term problems from an untreated UTI. But for some, like those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems, the risk for complications is much higher.

If you’re having UTI symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional about how to treat your UTI.

How long does a UTI last without antibiotics?

Without antibiotics, a simple UTI can last up to a week or longer. How long it lasts varies from person to person and depends on your body’s ability to fight the infection. 

Leaving a UTI untreated or undertreated can lead to potential complications, like:

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

• Kidney damage

• Sepsis (a life-threatening immune response to infection)

How can you make a UTI go away faster?

In addition to taking antibiotics to clear the infection, there are a few steps you can take to help your UTI go away faster: 

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract, ease symptoms, and promote healing.

• Avoid sexual activity. To prevent further irritation while you have a UTI, it’s best to avoid sex.

• Use probiotics. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help prevent UTIs. They can help support a healthy balance of urinary bacteria. 

• Drink green tea. It contains compounds that may have antibacterial action against UTIs caused by Escherichia coli. 

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Written by:

Bernadette Anderson, MD, MPH

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Bernadette earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She completed a master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Ohio.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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