You’re a Student with a UTI While Traveling Abroad – Now What?

Imagine this: you’re a student studying abroad, taking a weekend trip to explore a new city when you start noticing uncomfortable symptoms—frequent urges to urinate, a burning sensation, and abdominal pain. These are classic signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common but very uncomfortable condition that can quickly disrupt your plans.

To make things more complicated, it’s the weekend, and you’re not in your host country, where your study abroad program’s health and safety directors are available to assist. So, what should you do? Here’s a guide to help you manage a UTI while traveling, even without direct access to your program’s support.

If you think you have a UTI, it is important to seek medical treatment, especially if your symptoms are persistent or get worse. UTIs are treated with antibiotics so it’s important to not delay treatment. Signing up with MyAbroadMDs before your trip ensures you have access to trusted medical care so you are prepared for common health issues, such as UTIs.

Until you are able to get proper medical treatment, it’s important to start by increasing your fluid intake. In addition, over-the-counter pain medications, good hygiene, and cranberry supplements can help relieve symptoms.

UTIs can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but with MyAbroadMDs, you have the tools and support to manage them effectively, even when far from home. Sign up before you leave to ensure you’re prepared for any health concern that comes your way.