It is important to treat any urinary tract infection as quickly as possible, even more so when it is a cUTI. Some problems can make cUTI difficult to treat, such as:
- You have a blockage in your urinary tract
- Urinary retention
- Kidney stones
- Have a urinary catheter
- Have a weakened immune system
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The first step in treatment is often a broad-spectrum antibiotic, even before your test results are available. These antibiotics fight multiple types of bacteria at the same time. If your results match the type of bacteria present, you can keep the original antibiotic or switch to a more targeted antibiotic. Research continues to find better treatments for cUTIs, and in June 2026, the FDA approved a new oral antibiotic for certain adults with cUTIs, including kidney infections, for which limited or no other treatment options are available.
Many people feel better just a few days after taking an antibiotic. If you don’t feel better or your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your treatment may be changed or you may need intravenous antibiotics. Once the intravenous antibiotics start working, you will usually be switched back to tablets.
Your cUTI may be treated by a primary care physician, internist, or hospitalist, but you could be referred to a urologist or an infectious disease (ID) specialist. A urologist specializes in treating urinary tract diseases, while an ID specialist can help choose the best antibiotics to treat the infection.
In addition to treating the infection, you may need pain-relieving medication if your pain is severe.
