What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in women. It happens when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder, most often E. coli from the digestive tract. Typical symptoms include burning or pain when you urinate, a frequent and urgent need to go, passing only small amounts, pelvic or lower-belly pressure, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Women get UTIs far more often than men because the urethra is shorter. Most uncomplicated bladder infections respond quickly to a short course of antibiotics, usually 3 to 5 days. Read more about UTI symptoms.
How online UTI prescriptions work
You complete a secure online assessment describing your symptoms, allergies, medications, pregnancy status, prior urinary tract infections, and pharmacy preference. A licensed physician reviews the information and may follow up if more detail is needed. If your symptoms fit an uncomplicated bladder infection and there are no safety concerns, the physician can send an electronic prescription to your selected pharmacy for same-day pickup in most cases.
Vyta.co does not automatically prescribe antibiotics. If your answers suggest a kidney infection (fever, chills, back or flank pain), pregnancy, a possible sexually transmitted infection, recurrent UTIs, an uncertain diagnosis, a medication allergy, or another complicating factor, the physician may recommend in-person care or testing instead.
Pharmacy pickup
Physician-reviewed
Full refund if not prescribed
When online UTI treatment is appropriate
Telehealth may be appropriate for adult women with typical symptoms of an uncomplicated bladder infection, such as burning with urination, urinary frequency and urgency, or lower-belly pressure. It is an especially good fit for someone who has had a UTI before and recognizes the pattern.
Because these symptoms can overlap with sexually transmitted infections and other conditions, your physician reviews the full intake before deciding whether antibiotics are clinically appropriate. If you are not sure what you have, try our free UTI symptom checker or see how a UTI differs from BV and a yeast infection.
When to see a doctor in person
Online care is not right for every urinary symptom. Seek in-person care if any of the following apply.
- Fever, chills, or back or flank pain, or nausea and vomiting (possible kidney infection)
- Pregnancy, a possible sexually transmitted infection, or a new or uncertain diagnosis
- Recurrent UTIs, or symptoms that do not improve within a couple of days of starting antibiotics
Learn the warning signs that a UTI has become serious →
First-line antibiotics for a UTI
For an uncomplicated UTI, physicians commonly consider nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or cephalexin (Keflex), consistent with the IDSA uncomplicated-cystitis guideline and CDC guidance. Nitrofurantoin is typically taken twice daily for five days. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is usually one double-strength tablet twice daily for three days where local resistance is low. Cephalexin, a beta-lactam alternative, is usually taken twice daily for five days. Your physician chooses the antibiotic and duration based on your symptoms, allergies, kidney function, pregnancy status, and prior treatment.
Common, usually mild side effects can include nausea or stomach upset. Tell your physician about a sulfa allergy (which rules out Bactrim), any penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, and about any kidney problems, since nitrofurantoin is avoided when kidney function is reduced or near full-term pregnancy. Finish the full course even once you feel better. See our full guide to UTI antibiotics and treatment →
What causes a UTI?
Most UTIs start when bacteria from the bowel or skin reach the urethra and travel up into the bladder. Sexual activity, a new partner, spermicide or diaphragm use, holding urine, and postmenopausal changes can all raise the risk, and women are more prone because of a shorter urethra. UTIs are not a sexually transmitted infection, and they are not caused by poor hygiene. Staying well hydrated and urinating after sex may help reduce risk, but antibiotics are usually needed once a symptomatic infection is established. Learn more about what causes UTIs and how to prevent them.
What if UTIs keep coming back?
Recurrent UTIs usually mean two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year, and they are common. When a recurrence flares with the familiar symptoms of an uncomplicated bladder infection, a Vyta physician can often treat that acute episode online the same day. Frequent recurrences also deserve a fuller evaluation, which may include a urine culture, a look at risk factors, or a preventive (prophylactic) plan, and that ongoing workup is often coordinated with an in-person primary care clinician or urologist. Read more about recurrent UTIs →
