How Do I Stop My Painful UTI Symptoms?

Published: September 11, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Sorry if this is weird, but my vagina is burning and it constantly feels like I really have to pee even though I don't. I think I might have a UTI but I'm not sure. I drank a lot of water, but I don't have cranberry juice and I can't get to a doctor until tomorrow. It's really bad and I was wondering if there was something I could do to instantly stop the pain?
Signed: How Do I Stop My Painful UTI Symptoms?

Dear How Do I Stop My Painful UTI Symptoms?,

TeenHealthFX is happy to hear that you have scheduled a doctor’s appointment to address your symptoms. FX cannot conduct a proper diagnosis online; your doctor will be able to do so during your medical examination. You may be experiencing a UTI, vaginitis or an STD.

UTI:

UTI Symptoms:

  • Frequent & urgent need to urinate.
  • Pain or burning when you pee.
  • Bad-smelling or cloudy urine.
  • Blood or pus in your urine.
  • Soreness, pressure, or cramps in your lower belly, back, or sides.

 

Prevention methods:

  • Drink a lot of fluids (including water).
  • Pee when you need to. Don't hold it.
  • Pee before and after sex.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and keep your vulva clean and dry. You can do this by wearing underwear with a cotton crotch and not using douches, powder, or deodorant sprays in your vagina.

 

Treatment methods:

Most UTIs are easy to treat. Treatment for UTIs is generally antibiotics, which get rid of the infection. You can also take over-the-counter pain medicine if you want.

Antibiotics are usually quick and effective — most symptoms go away within a day or 2 of taking medicine. But be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if your symptoms go away. If you stop your UTI treatment early, the infection might still be there or could come back.

If your symptoms don’t go away after a few days, or for more severe infections like a kidney or prostate infection, your doctor or nurse may recommend more tests, different medication, or refer you to a specialist. 

Vaginitis:

Vaginitis symptoms:

  • Your vagina and/or vulva is red, irritated, swollen, or uncomfortable.
  • Itching, burning, and pain in your vulva or vagina.
  • Pain or discomfort during sex.
  • Feeling like you have to pee more often than usual. Peeing may sting if your vulva is really irritated.
  • Vaginal discharge that isn’t normal for you.

 

Prevention methods:

  • Stop using any perfumed bath products (like soap or bubble bath), laundry products, and scented or colored toilet paper if they irritate your skin.
  • Don’t douche.
  • Vaginitis develops more quickly when your vulva is moist, so keep your genital area as dry as possible. Don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit or damp clothes, and don’t wear pants that are uncomfortably tight.
  • Change your tampons and pads every 4-8 hrs. 

 

STD:

STD symptoms vary based on the infection.

 

You did not state if you are sexually active. TeenHealthFX recommends that all sexually active teenagers use condoms every time they have sexual intercourse. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can protect from sexually transmitted infections, and should be used in addition to another form of birth control for best protection.   

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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