When should a woman call her doctor if she has a urinary tract infection?

National Kidney Foundation

A women who gets urinary tract infections (UTIs) three or more times a year should speak to her doctor. The doctor may order special tests and recommend one of the following dosages of an antibiotic:

Take low doses for six months or more.
Take a single dose after having sex.
Take it for one or two days when symptoms of a UTI occur.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys and becomes more severe, it may cause pain in the lower back as well as fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. A woman should see her doctor immediately if she has any of these symptoms.

Dr. Robin Miller, MD

Internal Medicine

A woman should call her doctor as soon as possible if she thinks she has a bladder infection. These types of infections can be extremely uncomfortable. If untreated they can spread to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection.

Signs of a bladder infection include pain and burning with urination, urgency, frequency, and blood in the urine. Some patients may have a fever.

Continue Learning about Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

The Risk of UTIs Increases as You Age—Here’s Why

When you think of urinary tract infections (UTIs), you may think of them happening in people in their teens, 20s and 30s. But UTIs occur among seniors...

Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital

There are no OTC medications available for a kidney infections. You should see a doctor for antibiot...

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

These are the risk factors associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs): history of repeat UTIs, ...

What Are Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.