To get rid of a urinary tract infection (UTI) fast, the key steps are to drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria, urinate frequently to avoid bacterial growth, and use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. While antibiotics are typically needed to fully clear the infection, the following actions can help reduce symptoms quickly:
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to flush bacteria from the urinary tract and dilute urine, which reduces pain during urination.
- Urinate often and do not hold urine, as this prevents bacteria from multiplying.
- Use over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
- Some find drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking D-mannose helpful, as these may prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, though they do not cure UTIs.
- Urinate after sex to help clear bacteria.
- See a healthcare provider promptly to get a diagnosis and antibiotics if needed, since UTIs generally do not clear completely in 24 hours without medical treatment.
While these measures can reduce symptoms and support healing, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are usually necessary to fully eliminate the infection in most cases.
