5 Ways to Fight Off UTIs—Or Soothe Symptoms If You’ve Already Got One

Few things are more painful than a urinary tract infection, which can affect your urethra, kidneys, and bladder—and you know, make it feel like you’re peeing fire. They can even lead to permanent kidney damage if left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic. So what’s a girl (with a burning vagina) to do?

Unfortunately, the only way to truly cure an infection is by taking antibiotics. “Other agents thought to help treat UTIs don’t actually kill the bacteria,” says Kelly M. Kasper, M.D., ob-gyn at Indiana University Health. “They can help prevent or dilute the bacteria, or remedy the symptoms of a UTI, but not cure it altogether.” Typically, antibiotics are given in tandem with complimentary treatment options to help alleviate symptoms (which include a burning feeling when you pee, frequent urination, pain in your lower abdomen, and achiness…so, not exactly our idea of fun). Here, the top ways to stop UTIs before they start—and to help ease the pain if you already have an infection: