Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) are called lower UTIs. They can cause:

• a need to pee more often than usual
• pain or discomfort when peeing
• sudden urges to pee
• feeling as though you're unable to empty your bladder fully
• pain low down in your tummy
• feeling generally unwell, achy and tired

Lower UTIs are common and aren't usually a cause for major concern.

For lower UTIs in women, you can speak to your pharmacist for advice and treatment. For lower UTIs in men or children, speak to your doctor. If your doctor is closed, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

Infections of the kidneys or ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder) are called upper UTIs. They can cause the same symptoms as a lower UTI, and some more as well:

• a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
• pain in your sides or back
• shivering and chills
• feeling and being sick
• confusion
• agitation or restlessness

An upper UTI can be serious if it isn't treated, because it could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream.

See a doctor urgently if you think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and any of these apply:

• a very high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
• a low temperature, below 36°C
• confusion or drowsiness
• pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
• blood in the pee

If you can't reach your doctor, call a doctor or the 16263 health line. These symptoms could mean a kidney infection, which can be serious if it isn't treated, because it could cause sepsis.

Speak to a doctor if:

• you have symptoms of an upper UTI
• your child has symptoms of a UTI
• the symptoms are severe or getting worse
• the symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days
• you get UTIs frequently
• your symptoms come back after treatment
• your urine is cloudy or has a smell

A doctor can:

• rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine
• prescribe antibiotics if you have an infection

In some people, UTI symptoms just don't go away. Short-term antibiotics don't work, and urine tests don't show an infection.

If this is happening to you, you might have a chronic (long-term) UTI. It can be caused by bacteria getting into the lining of the bladder.

Chronic UTIs can be hard to diagnose. Urine tests don't always pick up the infection, and the symptoms can look similar to those of other conditions.

Treatment may be antibiotics that you take for a long time.

A chronic UTI can have a big effect on your quality of life. So if you have been treated for a UTI but you still have symptoms, speak to your doctor about chronic UTIs and ask to be referred to a specialist.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is normally treated with a short course of antibiotics.

Most women are given a 3-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course.

Your symptoms will normally pass within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. Even if you feel better before then, finish the whole course of antibiotics you've been prescribed.

You can take pain relief from the pharmacy, such as paracetamol, for any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better.

Go back to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve, get worse, or come back after treatment.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when the urinary tract gets infected, usually by bacteria. In most cases, bacteria from the gut get into the urinary tract through the urethra.

This can happen when you wipe your bottom or have sex. But often it isn't clear why it happens.

These things may raise your risk of getting a UTI:

• conditions that obstruct your urinary tract, such as kidney stones
• difficulty emptying your bladder fully
• using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
• diabetes
• a weak immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or HIV)
• a urinary catheter (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
• an enlarged prostate gland in men

Women may be more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man's and sits closer to the anus (back passage).

• go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to pee
• always empty your bladder fully
• drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated
• wipe from front to back after you use the toilet
• pee as soon as you can after sex
• have a shower rather than a bath
• wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic material such as nylon
• avoid tight jeans and trousers

• do not use perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals, and use plain, unperfumed ones instead
• do not use a diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant on them, and try another type of contraception

Speak to your doctor if these measures don't work.

Drinking cranberry juice or using probiotics isn't proven to reduce your chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI).