FAQs

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, most commonly the bladder and urethra. It's usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.

You might have a UTI for a few days to a week before noticing symptoms. In some cases, especially in older adults, UTIs can be silent but still serious.

While UTIs themselves aren’t contagious, bacteria can be transferred during sex, which may increase the risk of infection in either partner.

With proper treatment, most UTIs clear up within 3 to 7 days. Untreated UTIs can last longer and may lead to complications.

No. A UTI is not a sexually transmitted disease, though sexual activity can increase your chances of developing one.

No. UTIs are not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person like a cold or flu.

UTIs don’t usually cause vaginal discharge. If you're seeing unusual discharge, it might be due to another condition, like a yeast infection or an STD.

It’s not recommended to have sex with a UTI. Sex can worsen symptoms and potentially spread bacteria further into the urinary tract.

Yes. Some people may experience mild or no symptoms when they have a UTI, especially in the early stages, or if they have a high pain tolerance.

While rare, an untreated UTI can lead to serious complications like kidney infections or sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

A simple urine test can detect a UTI. At-home test kits and telehealth services like UTIRx make it quick and easy to get tested and treated.

No, a yeast infection does not cause a UTI, but they can occur at the same time. Both may have overlapping symptoms like irritation and discomfort.

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria, most often E. coli, entering the urethra and multiplying in the bladder.

Antibiotics can not directly cause a UTI. However, antibiotics can disrupt your natural flora, potentially making you more prone to future infections.

Bacteria, typically from the skin or rectum, entering the urinary tract is the main cause of a UTI. Risk factors include sex, certain birth control, and wiping back to front.

Common causes of a UTI in a woman include bacteria from the rectum entering the urethra, sexual activity, poor hygiene, or holding in urine for too long.

Yes. Sexual activity can push bacteria into the urinary tract, especially in women, due to a shorter urethra, and cause a UTI.

Common symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation when peeing, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort.

Some symptoms of a UTI include burning with urination, urgency, frequency, cloudy or smelly urine, and lower abdominal pain are the most common.

Some ways people may know if they have a UTI if they are experiencing burning during urination, frequent urges to pee (even when little comes out), cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain.

No, a UTI does not usually cause itching. If you’re experiencing itching, it could be a yeast infection or another condition.

Yes. A UTI can cause small amounts of protein in urine, often detected during a urinalysis.

In elderly adults, confusion from a UTI can be a symptom. Once treated, mental clarity typically improves within 24–48 hours.

No, typically a UTI does not delay your period. Stress or illness from a UTI might have a minor impact, but UTIs don’t directly affect your menstrual cycle.

It's uncommon for a UTI to cause diarrhea, but some people may experience GI upset or cramping. Diarrhea is more often linked to antibiotics used to treat a UTI.

Yes, a UTI can cause back pain. Back or flank pain can indicate the infection has reached the kidneys, which requires prompt medical attention.

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants like caffeine can help recovery.

To get antibiotics for a UTI without seeing a doctor, use a telehealth service like UTIRx. Fill out a quick form, a provider will review if eligible, and then get a prescription sent to your pharmacy, no in-person visit required.

Mild UTIs may clear on their own, but it’s best to seek treatment to prevent complications.

Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs, but they’re not a cure. They can’t replace antibiotics once you’re infected.

To get rid of a UTI at home, drink plenty of water, use a heating pad for pain, and consider over-the-counter UTI relief. Still, antibiotics are usually needed.

Side effects of antibiotics for UTIs can include blood in your urine, frequent peeing, a burning sensation while peeing, back pain, or nausea. Talk to a medical team about your health history to minimize risks.

Common antibiotics used for a UTI include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and fosfomycin. The right choice depends on your health history and resistance patterns.

To prevent UTIs naturally, try the following:

• Drink plenty of water daily to flush out bacteria.
• Urinate after sex to help clear the urethra.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
• Avoid using irritating feminine hygiene products like sprays or douches.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
• Consider taking daily D-mannose or cranberry supplements.

Yes, your diet can play a role in preventing UTIs. Certain foods and habits may help support urinary tract health and reduce your risk of infection, like staying hydrated or eating less processed foods. 

Some daily options to support UTI prevention include:

• D-mannose supplements
• Cranberry extract or capsules
• Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus strains
• Drinking plenty of water

Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs, but they’re not a cure. They can’t replace antibiotics once you’re infected.

We currently only offer online UTI prescriptions in Florida. 

Our flat fee for consultation and prescription is $40, not including pharmacy medication costs. No insurance required.

Our service is available 24/7/365. You can submit your request anytime, and a licensed provider will review it promptly, typically within a few hours.