A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra, and less often the kidneys. Typical symptoms are burning on urination, needing to pee often and urgently, and lower abdominal pain. It is diagnosed with a urine test and treated with a short course of prescription antibiotics; fever or back pain suggests a kidney infection needing prompt care.
- Cause
- Usually E. coli bacteria
- Test
- Urine dipstick, microscopy, culture
- Treatment
- Short antibiotic course
- Prescription
- Required in Korea
- Recurrent
- 2+ in 6 months or 3+ in a year
- Seen by
- Dr. Sun-Ok Lee, OB-GYN specialist
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
- Burning or stinging when urinating
- Needing to urinate often and urgently, passing only small amounts
- Pain or pressure above the pubic bone
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-tinged urine
- In older women: new confusion, incontinence or feeling generally unwell
Burning on urination can also be caused by vaginal infections or STIs such as chlamydia, especially if you also notice unusual discharge. Testing helps tell these apart.
Bladder infection vs. kidney infection
| Bladder infection (cystitis) | Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main symptoms | Burning, frequency, urgency, lower abdominal pain | Fever, chills, pain in the back or side, nausea or vomiting |
| Seriousness | Usually uncomfortable but not dangerous | Needs prompt treatment; can become serious |
| Treatment | Short oral antibiotic course | Longer antibiotic course; sometimes hospital care |
| Where to go | Gynecology or primary care clinic | Same-day medical care or emergency department |
How UTIs are diagnosed and treated at Yoonho
- Consultation in English Your symptoms, previous UTIs, pregnancy possibility, allergies and recent antibiotics are reviewed.
- Urine test A clean-catch urine sample is checked with a dipstick and microscopy on the spot.
- Urine culture when needed For recurrent, complicated or unclear cases, a culture identifies the bacteria and the antibiotic it responds to; results take a few days.
- Prescription An appropriate antibiotic is prescribed to collect at a nearby pharmacy, with clear instructions in English.
- Follow-up If symptoms have not improved within 48 hours, or come back soon after treatment, contact the clinic for review.
- Burning and frequent urination
- Lower abdominal pressure or pain
- Not sure if it is a UTI or a vaginal infection
- UTIs that keep coming back
- Urine test confirms the infection
- Antibiotic prescribed the same day
- Symptoms usually start to ease within a few days
- Prevention plan for recurrent infections
Recurrent UTIs and prevention
UTIs are considered recurrent when they happen two or more times in six months or three or more times in a year. Evaluation may include urine cultures, a pelvic exam and ultrasound to look for contributing factors.
- Drink enough fluids and do not hold urine for long periods.
- Urinate soon after sex.
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet.
- Avoid spermicides and harsh or scented intimate products.
- After menopause, vaginal estrogen can lower the risk of recurrent UTIs — see menopause management.
Bladder leakage and urgency without infection are covered under urinary incontinence.
UTIs while traveling or living in Korea
In Korea, antibiotics require a doctor’s prescription, so a pharmacy cannot sell them over the counter. At Yoonho Women’s Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, walk-ins are welcome during opening hours, and most patients leave with a diagnosis and prescription the same day. For booking, what to bring and costs, see UTI treatment in Seoul for foreigners.
As a general guide, consultations are about ₩50,000–100,000, with tests and medication extra; a written estimate is given after consultation. Travelers can request English receipts and a diagnosis for insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy UTI antibiotics at a Korean pharmacy?
No. Antibiotics require a prescription in Korea. A short clinic visit with a urine test is usually enough to get a prescription the same day.
How quickly will antibiotics work?
Many women feel better within one to two days. Finish the full course as prescribed, and contact your doctor if symptoms have not improved after 48 hours.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Some mild bladder infections clear without treatment, but antibiotics shorten symptoms and reduce the risk of kidney infection. If you have fever or back pain, do not wait.
Is a UTI a sexually transmitted infection?
No, but sex can make UTIs more likely by moving bacteria toward the urethra. Some STIs cause similar burning, so testing may be suggested.
Can I get a UTI in pregnancy?
Yes, and it should always be treated, as untreated infections in pregnancy carry higher risks. Tell the doctor if you are or might be pregnant so a safe antibiotic is chosen.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.