When to See a Doctor for a UTI: Which Doctor-How Long to Wait?

When to See a Doctor for a UTI: At-home care vs. medical attention

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be a major or minor problem depending on your symptoms and situation. Learn when to see a doctor, when to go to the ER, and when telehealth or at-home care may be enough. Also, see what your treatments might include.

When to see a doctor for a UTI

See a doctor for a UTI if you have burning during urination, frequent or urgent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine, especially if symptoms don’t improve within a few days. Pregnant women, men, children, older adults, and immunocompromised people should seek care right away.

These higher-risk groups include individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or HIV. Prompt medical treatment helps prevent complications like kidney infection or sepsis, which can develop quickly in vulnerable patients if a UTI is left untreated.

When to call 911 for a UTI

Call 911 for a UTI if you have severe symptoms like confusion, trouble staying awake, difficulty breathing, or signs of very low blood pressure. A high fever, especially over 102°F, can be a warning sign of sepsis, a life-threatening complication that requires emergency medical treatment.

There is no single temperature that defines a medical emergency, but most clinicians consider a fever above 102°F (38.9°C) concerning, especially when paired with shaking chills, severe back or side pain, vomiting, or confusion. These may signal urosepsis, when a urinary infection spreads to the bloodstream and causes serious complications like low blood pressure, organ dysfunction, or shock.

Watch for the following symptoms:      

• High fever (above 102°F), with chills and shaking
• Severe back or side pain in the lower back or on either side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate or breathing
• Signs of low blood pressure, including fainting or dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision.  Doctors often define low blood pressure as a systolic reading (top number) below 90 mmHg
• Confusion, disorientation, or lethargy
• Inability to walk, stand, or safely transport yourself due to weakness, dizziness, or confusion

When to go to the hospital ER for a UTI

Go to the emergency room for a UTI if you have a high fever, strong back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in your urine — but you feel alert and can get to the hospital safely without calling 911.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Persistent high fever (above 102°F), with chills and shaking
• Severe back or side pain in the lower back or on either side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visible blood in the urine, appearing pink, red, or cola-colored
• Inability to urinate at all
• Signs of systemic infection without full shock: mild dehydration, mild confusion, and fainting or dizziness

When to go to urgent care for a UTI

You should go to urgent care for a UTI that is bothersome but lacks severe, red-flag symptoms like high fever and back pain. If your symptoms are moderate, urgent care can be a good option if you lack a primary care physician (or cannot make an appointment in the near future), it’s the weekend or after hours, or you are traveling.

When to use telehealth for a UTI

Telehealth is a good option for treating a UTI if you’re healthy, not pregnant, and have common symptoms like burning during urination or needing to go often. If you don’t feel better in two days or develop new symptoms, follow up with an in-person visit.

When to wait to see your primary care doctor for a UTI

If you’re healthy and your UTI symptoms are very mild, you may wait a day or two before contacting your doctor, as long as symptoms don’t get worse. But most UTIs still need antibiotics, and waiting too long can increase the risk of kidney infection or more serious illness.

This short wait may be reasonable if your symptoms are mild and you’re not in a high-risk group. Some healthy adults, especially women, have mild UTIs that clear up on their own. But symptoms can quickly get worse, so it’s important to pay close attention and contact a doctor if things don’t improve within 48 hours.

High-risk groups for UTIs

Some people are at higher risk for serious UTI complications and should see a doctor as soon as symptoms start. “While most UTIs are simple and easy to treat, some patients are at higher risk for complicated UTIs.”, says Dr. Ashley Kelley, a physician at Included Health. “A complicated UTI means that the infection is more likely to  be serious or harder to treat.”

People who are at higher risk for complicated UTIs include

• Men 
• Pregnant people 
• People with urinary tract abnormalities, this includes kidney stones, other blockages or birth defects 
• People with urinary catheters or other devices
• People with weakened immune system
• People with chronic kidney disease
• Older adults

Dr. Kelley explains, “It is especially important to let your healthcare provider know if you or someone you care for is experiencing UTI symptoms and falls into one of these categories, because they may need special treatments.  Timely initiation of antibiotics is key.  Patients who are older or have a weakened immune system may not experience the classic urinary tract symptoms such as pain with urination. These patients may only have fatigue or nausea, but if we check the urine we can find the infection and start treatment.  Your healthcare provider can help to know what are the best steps to take.”

What to expect when seeing a doctor for a UTI

When you see a doctor for a UTI, they’ll ask about your symptoms and may test your urine to check for infection. If the UTI is mild and you’re otherwise healthy, you may not need lab tests. But more serious or repeated infections may need blood work or imaging.

For mild to moderate UTI symptoms, your doctor will ask about your medical history and current symptoms. For uncomplicated UTIs in healthy adult women with classic symptoms, national guidelines support diagnosis and treatment based on symptoms alone, without requiring urine tests. However, the doctor may ask you for a urine sample (peeing in a cup) to perform a urine analysis in the laboratory. A urine analysis, which checks for blood in your urine as well as white blood cells produced by your body when fighting an infection, is the standard procedure for diagnosing a UTI. Your doctor may also order a urine culture to identify bacteria in your urine sample. If a UTI is confirmed, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

For more severe cases in which kidney infection is suspected, your doctor may recommend blood tests. In the case of recurring UTIs, atypical presentation, or suspected anatomical abnormalities, the doctor may perform imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT), as well as a cystoscopy test to look inside the urethra and bladder.

How do doctors check for UTIs in females​ (adults and teens)?

If you are female and not pregnant, you can expect your doctor to diagnose a UTI by asking you about your symptoms and possibly performing a urine analysis. UTIs are common in females, with about half of females experiencing a UTI in their lifetime.

How do doctors check for UTIs in males​ (adults and teens)?

Doctors usually check for a UTI in males by doing a urine test. Because UTIs are less common in males, they may also check for other problems like prostate issues or blockages. If infections keep coming back, imaging tests may be needed to find the cause.

Review of medical history and current symptoms. Physical exam, which may include a genital and prostate exam. Urine sample (urinalysis) to check for:

• White blood cells
• Red blood cells
• Nitrites
• Leukocyte esterase

Urine culture may be ordered, especially for recurrent infections or if there are concerns about prostate involvement (prostatitis).

• According to Dr. Jeanette Carpenter, Associate Medical Director (or physician) at Included Health – “Many men often mistakenly believe that urinary symptoms such as burning and increased frequency indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, it is important to note that UTIs are relatively rare in males due to their anatomical differences, which significantly reduce their susceptibility compared to women. 
• Given this context, it becomes crucial to conduct urine testing before initiating any treatment. This testing not only helps confirm the presence of a UTI but also rules out other potential infections that can manifest with similar symptoms, such as prostatitis, epididymitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 
• Each of these conditions may require different treatment approaches, as the antibiotics prescribed for UTIs often differ from those needed for prostatitis or STIs. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure that patients receive the appropriate care and avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatments. By confirming the correct diagnosis through urine testing, we can better address the underlying issues and improve patient outcomes.”

How do doctors check for UTIs in children (over age 2)?

Doctors usually check for a UTI in toilet-trained children by testing a urine sample. If the child isn’t toilet-trained, a catheter may be used to collect urine. Common signs of a UTI in children include fever, irritability, accidents, and seeming unwell.

How do doctors check for UTIs in infants and babies?

To test for a UTI in infants and babies, doctors often use a catheter to collect a clean urine sample. Symptoms can include fever, fussiness, and poor feeding. If a UTI is found, follow-up tests like an ultrasound may be done to check for problems in the kidneys or urinary tract.

In the image below are some common tests for a UTI diagnosis.

What does a UTI feel like?

Urinary tract infections often cause a sharp or burning feeling when you urinate, along with needing to go more often or more urgently than usual. You might also notice cloudy urine, a strong odor, discomfort in the lower abdomen, or traces of blood in your urine. These symptoms can vary depending on your age, sex, and which part of the urinary tract is affected.

When the infection is in the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra, it typically causes pain during urination and pressure or aching in the pelvic area. If the infection moves up to the kidneys, it may trigger more severe symptoms, like a high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain along the sides or lower back. In infants, older adults, or people with certain health conditions, symptoms may be milder or unusual — for example, confusion, changes in appetite, or increased fatigue.

Symptoms of a UTI

UTI symptoms depend on where the infection is. Lower UTIs cause burning during urination, urgency, and cloudy or bloody urine. If the infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may also include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lower back or sides.

Common symptoms of lower UTI infections (bladder and urethra) include:

• Pain, stinging, or burning sensations when urinating
• Increased frequency and urgency to urinate, especially at night, and passing only small amounts of urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine 
• Blood in the urine that appears pink, red, or cola-colored
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or back, especially in women

Common symptoms of upper UTI infections (kidneys) include the following, in addition to the symptoms listed above for lower UTI infections:

• Fever, chills, and shaking
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Pain in the lower back and sides

Bladder infection vs UTI

A bladder infection is one type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It usually causes symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to go, and lower belly pain. A UTI can also affect the kidneys or ureters, which may cause more serious symptoms like fever, back pain, or vomiting.

All bladder infections are UTIs, but not all UTIs are bladder infections. Bladder infections (cystitis) typically stay in the lower urinary tract and cause localized symptoms. If the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, especially the kidneys, it can lead to more severe illness and complications that may require emergency care.

What can happen to an untreated UTI?

An untreated UTI can lead to serious health problems. The infection may spread to the kidneys, causing pain, fever, and possible kidney damage. In some cases, it can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that needs emergency care.

Delaying treatment also increases the risk of recurrent or antibiotic-resistant infections, which become harder to manage over time. In pregnant individuals, an untreated UTI can lead to complications like preterm labor or low birth weight. For males, it may cause urethral narrowing, which can make urination difficult.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Contrary to popular belief, mild UTIs can sometimes resolve without medical intervention, particularly in young, healthy individuals who maintain good hydration. 

As a women’s health specialist, Dr. Jeanette Carpenter says “I have had many patients successfully clear up their UTIs using methods such as adequate rest, increased fluid intake, and consuming cranberry juice—which may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining. Our bodies have natural defenses, including white blood cells, that can combat infections. However, it’s important to note that relying solely on these methods can be risky, as untreated UTIs can worsen and lead to serious complications. Therefore, while some uncomplicated cases may resolve on their own, medical treatment with antibiotics is generally recommended for confirmed UTI to ensure a swift recovery and prevent further issues.”

Possible complications of UTIs

If a UTI isn’t treated, it can lead to serious health problems. These may include a kidney infection, sepsis, or long-term issues like repeat infections and antibiotic resistance. In pregnancy, untreated UTIs can cause preterm labor. In men, they may lead to narrowing of the urethra.

How Doctor On Demand can assist with your UTI today

If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, getting fast relief is essential. With Doctor On Demand, you can speak to a licensed provider and have UTI antibiotics sent directly to your preferred pharmacy, often in just minutes. Whether your symptoms are mild or worsening, our 24/7/365 virtual care can provide fast answers and treatment options conveniently from home.

During your visit, the provider will:

• Ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are currently taking.
• Ask you to perform an at-home UTI test, if necessary.
• Ask you to leave a urine sample at a lab to confirm the presence of bacteria, if necessary.
• Prescribe antibiotics or over-the-counter pain relievers to treat the infection.
• Offer guidance on preventative measures to help reduce the risk of future UTIs.

Interested in connecting with a board-certified healthcare provider in minutes through Doctor On Demand? Sign up today.

How to prepare for your Doctor On Demand visit

A virtual visit with Doctor On Demand is quick and convenient. Following the steps below can make it even easier for you to get the care you’re looking for.

• Find a comfortable, quiet space where you can speak freely about your symptoms.
• Have your insurance information ready. If you don’t have insurance, you can skip this step.
• A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, may be needed.
• Expect to spend 5-10 minutes answering questions about your symptoms and health history. 

Doctor-Answered UTI FAQs

• What type of doctors treat UTIs​?
  Most UTIs can be treated by a primary care doctor, family doctor, or nurse practitioner. If the infection is more complex or keeps coming back, you may be referred to a urologist. Women with repeated UTIs might also see a gynecologist or a urogynecologist.
  
• How long does it take for a UTI to show up?
  A UTI can develop quickly after bacteria enter the urinary tract. Symptoms may appear within a few hours to a few days. The exact timing can vary depending on the person’s immune response, the type of bacteria, and whether other health issues are present.
  
• How long can you go without seeing a doctor for a UTI?
  You should contact a healthcare provider as soon as you notice UTI symptoms. In very mild UTI cases, a short waiting period before contacting your physician may be acceptable if your symptoms are not worsening and you are not in a high-risk category.
  
• When is a UTI an emergency?
  A UTI becomes an emergency when it causes serious symptoms like high fever, confusion, vomiting, or severe back or side pain. These may be signs the infection has spread to the kidneys or bloodstream. Call 911 or go to the ER if you can’t stand, think clearly, or breathe easily.
  
• What to do if you keep getting UTIs?
  If you get frequent UTIs — two or more in six months or three or more in a year — see a doctor for further evaluation. You may need tests to check for underlying causes and a prevention plan, which could include daily antibiotics, lifestyle changes, or specialist referral.
  
• What does the start of a UTI feel like?
  Early signs of a UTI often include a burning feeling when you urinate, needing to go more often than usual, or feeling a sudden strong urge to go. You might also feel pressure or soreness in your lower belly. The urine may look cloudy or have a strong smell. These symptoms can come on quickly and may become more uncomfortable if not treated.
  
• What are the signs your UTI is getting worse?
  A UTI may be getting worse if you have a fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting. Confusion can also be a warning sign, especially in older adults. These symptoms may mean the infection has reached your kidneys or entered your bloodstream.
  
• What does a UTI feel like for a man?
  The most common early symptom of a UTI in males is burning or painful urination. Males may also experience urinary frequency, a dull ache in the lower abdomen, and cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine.
  
• What does a UTI feel like for a woman?
  For many women, a UTI feels like burning or pain during urination. You may also need to urinate more often or feel a strong urge to go. Other symptoms can include pressure in the lower belly, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, or blood in the urine.
  
• Are UTIs always painful?
  No, UTIs are not always painful. Many people feel burning when they urinate, but others — especially older adults, young children, or people with certain medical conditions — may not feel pain at all. Instead, they might have confusion, tiredness, or other less obvious symptoms.
  
• Is it true that drinking cranberry juice can prevent or cure a UTI?
  Cranberry juice may help lower the risk of getting a UTI in some people, but it won’t treat one that’s already started. Cranberries contain natural compounds—called proanthocyanidins—that may make it harder for bacteria like E. coli to stick to the walls of the urinary tract.
  
  Some research suggests that cranberry products might help reduce the chances of repeated infections, especially in women prone to UTIs. Still, they are not a substitute for antibiotics. If you already have a UTI, only prescription medication has been proven to clear the infection.