UTI

Overview

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most often in the bladder. UTIs are common and can be painful, but many people recover quickly with self-care, advice from a pharmacist or GP, and sometimes antibiotics.

How common is it?

UTIs are very common, especially in women, but they can affect people of any age or sex. Some people get them repeatedly.

Causes and risk factors

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo getting into the urinary tract through the urethra. The bacteria can stay in the bladder or, if the infection spreads, move up towards the kidneys.

Common risk factors

• Female anatomy
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Kidney stones or another blockage in the urinary tract
• Trouble emptying the bladder fully
• Urinary catheters
• Diabetes or a weakened immune system
• Using spermicide with contraception
• Not drinking enough fluids

Symptoms

• Pain or a burning feeling when peeing
• Needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual
• Cloudy, bloody, or unpleasant-smelling urine
• Lower tummy pain or pelvic discomfort
• Feeling hot, cold, or shivery
• Pain in the back or side under the ribs
• Feeling tired or weak
• Confusion or new behaviour change in some older adults

When to see a doctor

Ask for urgent help from a GP, NHS 111, or a pharmacist if you think you may have a UTI and symptoms are getting worse, do not improve within 48 hours, or you are pregnant, older, male, have diabetes, use a catheter, or have pain in the back or side, fever, or blood in your urine. Call 999 or go to A&E now if someone with a possible UTI is confused, drowsy, or having difficulty speaking.

Diagnosis

A urine test may be done, but it is not always needed before treatment in straightforward cases. If symptoms keep coming back or there are signs of a more serious infection, you may need further urine tests or other investigations.

Treatments

Self-care and lifestyle

• Drink enough fluids so you are passing pale urine regularly during the day
• Rest if you feel unwell
• Do not hold your pee for long periods
• Pee after sex if this helps reduce your symptoms coming back
• Avoid drinks that irritate your bladder if they make symptoms worse

Prevention

Drinking enough fluids, wiping from front to back, keeping the genital area clean and dry, and washing with water before and after sex may help reduce the chance of another UTI. Managing catheter care and any underlying bladder or kidney problem also matters.