“I love to travel.”
We all say that—until a UTI on vacation hits.
Sure, it’s just a UTI, but when you’re traveling, it can feel like a nightmare. The constant discomfort, searching for clean bathrooms, and trying to find medical help in a foreign place can quickly ruin your trip.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you get through it. With a few tips, you can handle a UTI while traveling and still enjoy your trip. Let’s walk you through what to do.
Why is it Common to Get a UTI While Traveling?
Water, Water, Water! You’re not drinking enough water. It’s not your fault!
Finding clean restrooms while on the go can be tough, so we tend to drink less. Urine helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. If you’re not drinking enough, you’re not urinating often, giving bacteria more time to grow, which can lead to an infection.
Long Flights and UTIs UTIs are common during long flights. Airplane cabins have low humidity, which can dehydrate you and make your urine more concentrated. With limited access to restrooms, you might hold it in, allowing bacteria to multiply. Plus, sitting for long periods can affect bladder function, raising your UTI risk. An adult bladder holds about 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) of urine, but holding it for too long can significantly increase the risk of infection.
Lack of Sleep and UTIs Traveling often means jet lag and disrupted sleep, which can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections, including UTIs. A strong immune system is key to keeping bacterial overgrowth in check.
Hygiene Challenges and UTIs Maintaining proper hygiene can be challenging while traveling, especially in remote or developing areas with limited access to clean bathrooms and hygiene products. This can make it harder to prevent UTIs, especially when it comes to practices like wiping properly after using the restroom or staying clean during menstruation.
Stress, Anxiety, and UTIs Travel, especially long flights or packed schedules, can be stressful, and stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections like UTIs. Travel anxiety can also make you drink less water to avoid frequent restroom visits, which can lead to dehydration. Holding in urine for too long creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, further increasing the likelihood of a UTI.
Which type of traveler is at a higher risk of developing a UTI?
UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections, leading to over 8 million doctor visits each year.
Women are about 30 times more likely to get a UTI than men.
Pregnant women are more prone to UTIs due to hormonal changes and physical pressure on the bladder, with 2-10% experiencing a UTI during pregnancy.
Women in menopause are at increased risk for cystitis due to changes in the vaginal flora and estrogen levels.
While UTIs are more common in women, men can get them too, particularly as they age or if they have an enlarged prostate.
How do I know it's a UTI...
If you had it before, you know what it’s like. Otherwise here are the common symptoms:
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain (especially in women)
Some women may confuse cystitis symptoms with those of a vaginal infection, particularly if they experience irritation or unusual discharge, though these are not typical of cystitis.
...and not an STI (sexually transmitted infection) ?
To distinguish between a UTI and an STI, pay attention to your symptoms and the timing.
- UTI Symptoms: Typically include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. UTIs are often not associated with other symptoms outside the urinary system.
- STD Symptoms: Can include painful urination like a UTI, but often come with additional symptoms such as unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, genital sores or blisters, itching, or pain during sex. STDs can also cause systemic symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to see a healthcare provider who can perform tests to accurately diagnose the condition.
Are UTIs contagious?
No, UTIs are not contagious but sexual activity can increase the risk of getting a UTI.
Confusing?
You can’t catch a UTI from someone else through contact like touching, kissing, or even sexual activity. UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from your own body, enter your urinary tract. While sexual activity can increase the risk of getting a UTI, this is because the bacteria are pushed into the urethra, not because the infection itself is contagious.
Acute simple cystitis, often called “honeymoon cystitis,” is commonly linked to recent sexual activity, especially in young, sexually active women or those with new partners.
Despite this connection, the infection isn’t contagious like an STD. It’s caused by bacteria, typically E. coli, from your own body, not something passed between partners.
It’s good advice to urinate after sex to help prevent UTIs. This simple step helps flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra during intercourse.
How long does a UTI last?
A UTI typically lasts a few days to a week with proper treatment.
If treated with antibiotics, symptoms often start to improve within a day or two, but it’s important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Without treatment, a UTI can persist and potentially lead to more serious complications, such as a kidney infection, which can extend the duration and severity of symptoms.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
A UTI might clear up on its own, but it’s not guaranteed and could take longer without treatment.
In many cases, if left untreated, UTIs can get worse and even lead to more serious infections, like a kidney infection. It’s usually better to see a doctor and get antibiotics to clear it up quickly and avoid any complications.
While some mild UTIs might go away without treatment, it’s not something you should count on. Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious issues, so it’s best to seek medical attention and start treatment as soon as possible.
Signs Your UTI is Going Away Without Antibiotics
If a UTI is getting better on its own, you might notice symptoms easing up, like less of an urge to pee, less burning when you do, and less discomfort in your lower abdomen.
You might also see that you’re not going to the bathroom as often and your urine looks and smells more normal.
However, even if things seem to be improving, it’s important to keep an eye on your condition. UTIs can come back or get worse without proper treatment.
Untreated UTI
If you don’t treat a UTI, it can lead to more serious health issues.
The infection might spread from your bladder to your kidneys, causing a kidney infection, which can bring on symptoms like back pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
In severe cases, the infection could enter your bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
Untreated UTIs can also cause recurring infections and damage to your urinary tract.
So, don’t ignore it. Make sure you treat a UTI early to avoid these serious complications.
Ok but how can I see a doctor fast while traveling?
Doctorsa is perfect for travelers dealing with a UTI because it offers quick access to local doctors online, 24/7, no matter where you are.
You fill up a form answering a few questions and doctors receive your request for assistance.
Available doctors will offer an appointment in minutes. Choose the one that works best for you based on their reviews, bios and prices.
Talk to your chosen doctor via videochat. The doctor assess your symptoms and if necessary can send you an e-prescription for antibiotics, which is valid at nearby pharmacies, without needing to find a clinic in a foreign country.
The process is fast, affordable, and convenient, making it ideal for managing health issues like UTIs while traveling.
How Quickly Will I Feel Better After Starting Antibiotics?
Most people start to feel better within a day or two of starting antibiotics, but it’s crucial to finish the entire prescription to fully clear the infection.
For simple UTIs, a short course of antibiotics—typically three to five days—works well and minimizes side effects and resistance.
While antibiotics are key, drinking more fluids and using urinary pain relievers can help ease symptoms, though they won’t cure the infection.
Medications like Nitrofurantoin are effective for bladder infections, but other antibiotics like Fosfomycin are used when there’s a concern about resistance.
Let's Get Back to Our Travels!
Online urgent care has made it easier than ever to get timely and effective treatment for urinary tract infections.
With Doctorsa you can take control of your health and get the care you need without the hassle of visiting a clinic trying to find a doctor who speaks your language by pure chance.
Whether you’re dealing with your first UTI or a recurring issue, online urgent care can provide the convenience and peace of mind that comes with quick, reliable medical support.
