A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is when germs (usually bacteria) get into parts of your body that handle urine. These parts include your kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them (ureters and urethra). UTIs can make you feel uncomfortable or hurt, especially when you pee. You might feel burning, pain, or have a constant need to go to the bathroom.

To treat a UTI, your doctor will usually give you medicine called antibiotics. Antibiotics fight and kill the germs causing the infection. It’s very important to take the medicine exactly how your doctor tells you, even if you feel better quickly. Stopping early can let the germs come back.

Here are simple ways to help prevent UTIs or to help you feel better faster if you have one:

  • Drink lots of water: Drinking water helps wash germs out of your body when you pee.
  • Try cranberry juice: Some research says cranberry juice might stop germs from sticking inside your urinary tract, making infections less likely.
  • Keep clean the right way: After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back. This helps keep germs from moving into areas where they can cause an infection.
  • Go pee regularly: Try not to hold your urine too long. Peeing frequently helps flush germs out.
  • Be careful with soaps and baths: Avoid bubble baths or strong soaps that might bother or irritate the area around your urethra.

If you notice symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to see your doctor or healthcare provider right away. They can check if you have an infection and give you medicine to feel better, plus teach you ways to avoid future infections.  Get more information at Cancer Academy .