UTI & Cystitis
When you feel a burning sensation or frequent urge to urinate — Treatment and prevention of cystitis (bladder infection). - -
Symptoms and treatment.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common bacterial infection in women, and typical symptoms include burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate but only passing small amounts, feeling like you haven't fully emptied your bladder, and changes in urine color.
- It often doesn't improve with just drinking more water, and it is usually treated effectively with a few days of antibiotics (Urology, Gynecology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine).
- Even if symptoms improve, be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.
- If you have a fever and pain in your side (upper back), it may indicate pyelonephritis, which has spread to the kidneys, and requires immediate medical attention (intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary).
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
If it keeps recurring,
- Urinating after sexual intercourse, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding holding urine are basic preventative measures.
- If you experience recurrent infections more than 3 times a year, consult with a doctor about preventative strategies (such as low-dose antibiotics or topical estrogen for postmenopausal women).
- Some studies suggest that cranberry products may be helpful in prevention, but they are not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can't I just manage with over-the-counter medications from a pharmacy?
Over-the-counter medications only help alleviate symptoms and do not kill bacteria. If you don't see improvement within a day or two, it's important to seek antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Do men get cystitis?
It is rare, but it can happen. Urinary tract infections in men are often accompanied by prostatitis or structural problems, making urological consultation even more important.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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