Is it normal to still have uti symptoms after antibiotics

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Urinary tract infections (UTI) are typically not serious and easily treated. UTIs that return frequently or that do not go away with treatment, however, may indicate other health issues. Physicians at UMMC work with patients to diagnose and treat UTIs, including recurrent or persistent UTI and related issues such as painful bladder syndrome.

The physicians and staff at University Women's Care are a team of caring professionals. Our providers have the expertise to treat even the most complex urogynecologic problems. We provide practiced, thoughtful care and work with patients to find the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment to meet each woman's unique personal needs.

Symptoms of UTI

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria (usually from the intestines) get into the bladder and multiply, leading to inflammation.

UTI symptoms include:

• Frequent urination or feeling the need to urinate
• Urgent need to urinate
• Pain with urination
• Bladder discomfort
• Cloudy urine
• Difficulty emptying the bladder (voiding)
• Increased incontinence
• Rarely, blood in the urine

Fever, chills, and pain in the sides of the lower back (flank pain) indicate a more severe infection and should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.

About Recurring or Persistent UTI

If a woman has three or more UTIs in a year or two or more UTIs in six months and if the UTI is treated with antibiotics but then return, she is considered to have recurring or persistent UTI. 

Diagnosing UTI

In most cases, diagnosis and treatment of UTI can be made based on symptoms and treated with antibiotics. Recurring UTI (chronic cystitis) can be diagnosed using a urine sample to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. An imaging test may also be ordered to check for another source of infection.

Tests used to diagnose UTI and chronic cystitis:

• Urine sample and culture
• Ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys
• Cystoscopy of the bladder

Treating UTI

Usually, antibiotics will treat and end the uncomfortable symptoms of a urinary tract infection. If symptoms do not go away with antibiotics, then further steps will need to be taken to treat and prevent further infection and to help the bladder heal.

Additional treatment and preventative measures for UTI include:

• Vaginal Estrogen
  Local estrogen therapy can help prevent UTI by increasing the blood supply and thickness of skin in the vagina and urethra. This treatment reverses the effects of menopause on vaginal tissues and helps the body maintain a stronger barrier between bacteria and the urinary tract.
• Cranberry Therapy
  Some studies suggest that natural chemicals found in cranberries may help prevent bacteria from forming an infection. Cranberry can be found in many forms, including tablets that can be taken orally.
• Preventative Antibiotic Regimen
  Two types of antibiotic regimens can be used to treat recurring UTI: 
  • Post-coital Antibiotic Regimen
    Used with infections that seem to be triggered by intercourse, a low-dose antibiotic is taken at the time of intercourse to prevent infection.
  • Daily Antibiotic Regimen
    Low-dose antibiotics may be prescribed for 6–12 months to help keep urine clear of infection. This treatment allows the bladder time to heal, so it is better able to prevent infection on its own in the future.

Request an Appointment

Our providers have the expertise to treat even the most complex urogynecologic problems with practiced, thoughtful care for the needs of our patients. The pelvic health program at UMMC sees patients by physician-referral and self-referral.

Healthcare Professionals

To refer a patient to the University Women's Care pelvic health program:

• Call: (601) 984-5314
• Fax: (601) 984-5477
• Submit an online referral.

Patients

• Request an appointment by calling (601) 984-5314.
• Information to bring with you to your first appointment:
  • New Patient Form – UMMC Urogynecology (PDF opens in new window)

Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Antibiotics treat UTIs. Your healthcare professional can determine if you have a UTI and what antibiotic you need.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is another type of UTI. They’re less common, but more serious than bladder infections.

Risk Factors

Some people are at higher risk of getting a UTI. UTIs are more common in females because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs:

• A previous UTI
• Sexual activity
• Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. For example, menopause or the use of spermicides can cause these bacterial changes.
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as enlarged prostate
• Poor hygiene, for example, in children who are potty-training

Symptoms

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
• Bloody urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back
• Nausea or vomiting

Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having. While fever is the most common sign of UTI in infants and toddlers, most children with fever do not have a UTI. If you have concerns that your child may have a UTI, talk to a healthcare professional.

A female urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. This image shows how bacteria from the skin or rectum can travel up the urethra and cause a bladder infection.

baby icon Talk to a healthcare professional right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.

When to Seek Medical Care

Talk to your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a UTI or for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

Taking antibiotics, prescribed by a healthcare professional, at home can treat most UTIs. However, some cases may require treatment in a hospital.

Treatment

Your healthcare professional will determine if you have a UTI by:

• Asking about symptoms
• Doing a physical exam
• Ordering urine tests, if needed

Bacteria cause UTIs and antibiotics treat them. However, any time you take antibiotics, they can cause side effects. Side effects can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections. More serious side effects can include antibiotic-resistant infections or C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death. Call your healthcare professional if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

Sometimes other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases, have symptoms similar to UTIs. Your healthcare professional can determine if a UTI or different illness is causing your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

How to Feel Better

If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

• Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
• Do not share your antibiotics with others.
• Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

Prevention

You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:

• Urinate after sexual activity.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.
• Teach girls when potty training to wipe front to back.

What happens if UTI doesn't go away after antibiotics?

Why do I still feel UTI symptoms after antibiotics?