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 persistent urge to urinate. So it’s normal to wonder how long this discomfort will last and what you can do to relieve it. 

Many people feel better within a week, especially if they take antibiotics. But recovery time depends on several things. Let’s take a closer look at the typical timeline 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. But the actual number of days that UTI symptoms persist depends on a few factors, like:

• Where the infection is

• How severe the infection is

• Your overall health and immune response

• How you treat the UTI

Whether you have an uncomplicated or complicated UTI, your provider will make a tailored treatment plan so your symptoms improve as quickly as possible.

Uncomplicated UTIs

Uncomplicated UTIs are the most common type. You’ll likely recognize the typical symptoms:

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Blood in the urine

• Cloudy or smelly urine

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate

• Pain in the 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 will help to make sure the infection fully clears and reduces the chance of lingering or recurrent infections.

Complicated UTIs

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

• Structural issues of their urinary tract

• Older age

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

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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 the 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 providers usually recommend antibiotics, as they’re the most effective treatment. UTIs are frequently caused by bacteria, and antibiotics stop the bacteria from growing or get rid of them. 

Most people do not have risks of kidney damage or long-term problems with an untreated UTI. But for some people, 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 your healthcare provider for guidance on whether 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. This will vary 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 when you have a UTI, it's probably 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:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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