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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Cystitis: Care in English in Seoul

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria, most often E. coli from the bowel, enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. Most UTIs affect the bladder, called cystitis. Women get UTIs much more often than men because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Cystitis is one of the conditions Eunice Women's Clinic commonly treats.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

• Burning or stinging when urinating
• Needing to urinate often or urgently, sometimes passing only a small amount
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Cloudy, strong-smelling, or blood-tinged urine

Signs of a kidney infection(pyelonephritis) include fever, chills, pain in the back or side below the ribs, nausea, or vomiting. These need prompt medical care.

What causes UTIs?

Things that make UTIs more likely include:

• Sexual activity, especially with a new partner (sometimes called “honeymoon cystitis”)
• Spermicides and diaphragms
• Not drinking enough fluids or holding urine for a long time
• Lower estrogen after menopause
• Pregnancy, diabetes, and kidney stones

Some STIs, such as chlamydia, and vaginal infections can cause burning when urinating and can be confused with a UTI.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have UTI symptoms, especially if this is your first UTI, symptoms do not improve within a day or two, you are pregnant, or you have UTIs often. Go to an emergency room or call 119 if you have high fever with back pain and vomiting, feel very unwell, or cannot keep fluids down. See our guide to after-hours and emergency care in Seoul.

How is a UTI diagnosed at the clinic?

The doctor asks about your symptoms and takes a urine sample. A urine dipstick and microscopic urinalysis can show signs of infection in minutes. A urine culture may be sent to identify the bacteria and which antibiotics work best, which is especially useful for recurrent or complicated infections. If there is also discharge or possible STI exposure, the doctor may suggest STD testing. For recurrent UTIs, a pelvic ultrasound may be considered.

How is a UTI treated?

Uncomplicated cystitis is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics. The doctor chooses the antibiotic based on your history, allergies, pregnancy status, and local resistance patterns. Symptoms usually improve within one to two days. Other points:

• Take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Pain relief medicine may help with discomfort.
• If symptoms do not improve, return for a review; the culture result may guide a change in treatment.
• For frequent UTIs, the doctor can discuss prevention strategies.

Individual results vary. For more about pharmacies, prescriptions, and insurance, see our guide to UTI treatment in Korea.

How can I prevent UTIs?

• Drink enough water through the day and do not hold urine for long periods.
• Urinate soon after sex.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Avoid spermicides if you get frequent UTIs.
• After menopause, ask about vaginal estrogen, which may lower the risk of recurrent UTIs.

Getting care in English near Seongsu Station

If you have burning or frequent urination, a urine test can confirm a UTI, and evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday can help if you work during the day. Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, sees patients in English at Eunice Women's Clinic.

•  Address: 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, across the crosswalk from Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk
• Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00–19:00
• Tue, Thu: 10:00–20:00 (evening clinic)
• Sat: 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break)
• Weekday lunch break: 13:30–14:30. Closed Sundays and Korean public holidays

You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search “유니스산부인과” or Eunice), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100. Booking is recommended; call or message to check same-day availability. See directions from Seongsu Station.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get UTI antibiotics without a prescription in Korea?

Antibiotics require a doctor's prescription in Korea. Pharmacies may sell products for mild urinary discomfort, but they do not treat a bacterial infection. See a doctor for testing and a prescription.

Can a UTI go away without antibiotics?

Some mild bladder infections improve on their own, but many do not, and an untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys. Antibiotics usually relieve symptoms within one to two days, so seeing a doctor is recommended.

Is a UTI sexually transmitted?

No. A UTI is not an STI, although sex can push bacteria toward the urethra and trigger an infection. Some STIs cause similar burning, so the doctor may suggest STI testing if you have risk factors.

What if I keep getting UTIs?

Recurrent UTIs are usually defined as two or more in six months or three or more in a year. The doctor may order a urine culture, review triggers, and discuss prevention options suitable for you.

Is a UTI dangerous in pregnancy?

UTIs in pregnancy need prompt treatment because they can spread to the kidneys more easily. The doctor will choose an antibiotic that is safe in pregnancy. Pregnant women are also often checked for bacteria in the urine without symptoms.

Related pages

•  Gynecology Consultation
• STD Testing
• Chlamydia
• UTI Treatment in Korea
• After-Hours & Emergency Care
• Opening hours

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.