Drink plenty of water
Follow your clinician’s prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed
Take a urine test as recommended to confirm infection clearance
Use phenazopyridine (if available and appropriate) for short-term symptom relief
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever (if safe for you)
Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen or back for discomfort
Urinate regularly and avoid holding urine
Avoid bladder irritants: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and spicy/acidic foods
Avoid douching or scented feminine products
Consider cranberry products if you’re prone to recurrent UTIs (not a substitute for antibiotics)
Consider D-mannose if you have recurrent UTIs (not a substitute for antibiotics)
Avoid sexual activity or use condoms until symptoms resolve
Get urgent care immediately if you have fever, chills, flank/back pain, vomiting, pregnancy, male anatomy, recurrent UTIs, or symptoms that worsen or don’t improve within 24–48 hours
Seek same-day care if you have blood in urine, severe pain, or new symptoms like confusion or weakness
Do not self-treat repeatedly with leftover antibiotics
If symptoms persist after treatment, contact a clinician for further testing and evaluation