Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Urinary Tract Infection?
A primary care doctor can usually diagnose and treat a urinary tract infection, or UTI. A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary system, may also help when infections keep coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a urinary tract infection?
The urinary system is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in this system. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body.
People of any age or sex can get UTIs. A bladder infection is a UTI in the bladder, the part that holds urine. Bladder infections can spread to one or both kidneys.
Symptoms
You may have a UTI if you notice:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- An urge to urinate often.
- Pressure in your lower belly.
- Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish.
- Fever, tiredness, or shakiness.
- Pain in your back or side below the ribs.
Signs of a kidney infection include fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, and pain in your back, side, or groin.
Causes and who gets it
Bladder infections are most often caused by bacteria, which are tiny germs. Rarely, fungi may cause one. Normally, the body keeps the bacteria in the urinary tract in balance. Emptying your bladder is one way the body keeps a healthy number of bacteria in the bladder.
About four times as many women get UTIs as men. You are also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury. Some kinds of birth control may raise the chance of a bladder infection. These include diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and spermicide.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI with a urine test. Sometimes a doctor cannot confirm a diagnosis based on symptoms and test results. You may not need antibiotics then. Instead, your doctor will work to find the cause and another way to treat your symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment is with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Your doctor may choose an antibiotic based on the type of bacteria causing your infection. How long you take it depends on how severe the infection is, whether your symptoms and infection go away, and whether you have repeat infections. Men may need antibiotics longer than women because bacteria can move into the prostate.
Drinking more liquids helps flush the bacteria out of your urinary tract. Water is best. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with pain. A heating pad on your back or belly may also ease pain.
If a bladder infection leads to a kidney infection, you will need antibiotics. If you are very sick from a kidney infection, you may need antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) tube, a thin tube placed in a vein.
You may be able to help prevent a bladder infection by drinking enough liquids and using the bathroom when you feel the urge. Fully empty your bladder, and wipe front to back. Cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes may help too.
When to see a doctor
If you think you have a UTI, it is important to see your doctor. Contact a health care professional if you have symptoms of a bladder infection.
Quick treatment is important if you have symptoms of a kidney infection. These include fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, and pain in your back, side, or groin. Kidney infections may cause severe pain and serious health problems if not treated early.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have a sudden change in mental state such as confusion, or have trouble breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can check your symptoms, order a urine test, and prescribe treatment. They can also follow up with you and coordinate care with a specialist if infections keep coming back.
Common questions
How is a UTI treated?
A UTI is treated with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Your doctor may choose the antibiotic based on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Drinking more liquids also helps flush the bacteria out of your urinary tract.
Can a UTI spread to the kidneys?
Yes, a bladder infection can spread to one or both kidneys. Signs of a kidney infection include fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, and pain in your back, side, or groin. Quick treatment is important if you have these signs.
Who gets UTIs?
People of any age or sex can get UTIs, but about four times as many women get them as men. You are also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury.
How do doctors test for a UTI?
Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI with a urine test, which checks a sample of your urine. Sometimes a doctor cannot confirm a diagnosis based on symptoms and test results, and then you may not need antibiotics.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Urinary Tract Infections
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Infection in Adults
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Bladder Infection in Adults
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
