Along with an unwanted invasion of bacteria in your parts, UTIs can bring serious pain. Burning while peeing, bladder pressure, lower back pain, body chills, and general aches from head to toe. If you have already had one before, you know the drill...but if you haven't or it has been a while, there are effective ways to knock out the pain while your body fights off the infection. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections a person can get. We can't wave a magic wand to make it go away, but we can help soothe your pain if you get one. Promise.

Soothe Your UTI Pain 

First thing, first. Are you sure you have a UTI? You may have some symptoms like frequent peeing or lower belly pressure, but unless you take a UTI test (at home or at the doctor's office), your symptoms could be something else. Assuming you already know you actually have a UTI, your doctor most likely prescribed a course of antibiotics (Bactrim, Macrobid, or Cipro are the most common.) These will kill the bacteria growing and prevent more serious conditions, including kidney infections. Pain associated with the UTI should start to subside within 48 hours of starting antibiotics, but until then, we got you.

1. Pain meds are your friend. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), while you are waiting for your antibiotics to kick in. If you have a burning sensation during urination, try Phenazopyridine (AZO or Uristat) which will help numb the urinary tract. Your doctor can also prescribe a more potent dose. Warning: Your pee will be bright reddish-orange!
2. Drink tons of water. We mean tons. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and flush bacteria from your bladder. Proper hydration can also help prevent further bacteria growth. Drink at least 48 to 64 fl oz daily and avoid alcohol and caffeine. These can dehydrate you, and that is the opposite of drinking water!
3. Pee when you have to pee. Don't hold it in for fear of burning. It's also important to fully empty the bladder, so sit there for a few while leaning forward.
4. Try a heating pad. If you have lower back pain or belly pressure, applying warm heat can help minimize the pain and reduce cramping. Tip: If you don't have a heating pad, just wet a washcloth and put it in the microwave for 15 seconds.
5. Take supplements. There are urinary tract supplements that are helpful during a UTI and to help prevent them. Checkable's Urinary Tract Balance is designed as a cleanser to help balance the urinary tract while giving you the nutrients you need to promote a healthy bladder. Each capsule has a special blend of the most effective ingredients, including D-Mannose, cranberry juice powder, hibiscus, and natural dandelion herb. Research indicates that D-mannose helps reduce the severity of UTI symptoms and helps prevent them. 

If you do any of the above steps, you should feel better in no time. Of course, along with those tips, we also suggest listening to your body and resting while the antibiotics fight off the infection.