Urinary Tract Infection
Also known as UTI, Cystitis, Bladder infection
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infection is bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. It is far more frequent in women because of a shorter urethra. Infection reaching the kidneys causes flank pain and fever and is considerably more serious. In older adults, confusion may be the only presenting feature.
Causes
- Escherichia coli, responsible for most infections
- Other bowel bacteria entering the urethra
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary catheters
- Sexual activity introducing bacteria
- Reduced oestrogen after menopause
Symptoms
- Burning or stinging when passing urine
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Passing small amounts of urine repeatedly
- Cloudy or strong smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Flank pain, fever and rigors in kidney infection
- New confusion in older adults
Risk factors
- Female sex
- Sexual activity
- Menopause
- Urinary catheter
- Diabetes
- Kidney stones or prostate enlargement causing obstruction
- Previous urinary tract infections
Diagnosis
- Symptom assessment, often sufficient in healthy young women
- Urine dipstick for nitrites and leucocytes
- Urine culture for recurrent, complicated or treatment failure cases
- Blood tests and imaging if kidney infection is suspected
- Investigation for underlying cause in men and recurrent cases
Treatment
- Short course antibiotics guided by local resistance patterns
- Nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim commonly first line for cystitis
- Longer courses and broader cover for kidney infection
- Adequate fluid intake and analgesia
- Vaginal oestrogen for recurrent infections after menopause
- Reviewing and removing unnecessary catheters
Self care
- Drink plenty of fluids to flush the bladder
- Take paracetamol for discomfort
- Do not delay emptying your bladder
- Wipe front to back and empty the bladder after sex
- Avoid perfumed soaps and bubble baths
- Complete any antibiotic course prescribed
- Consider vaginal moisturisers if dryness after menopause contributes
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Symptoms not improving after two or three days
- Three or more infections in a year
- Any urinary infection in a man
- Infection during pregnancy
- Blood in the urine
- Symptoms returning immediately after treatment
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Drink adequate fluids through the day
- Empty the bladder fully and after sex
- Avoid perfumed products in the genital area
- Consider vaginal oestrogen after menopause for recurrent infections
- Discuss prophylactic antibiotics if infections are frequent
- Manage constipation, which contributes in children
Outlook
Uncomplicated bladder infections resolve quickly with a short antibiotic course, and some mild cases settle with fluids alone. Kidney infection needs prompt treatment but usually recovers fully. Recurrence is common in women, and identifying contributing factors such as postmenopausal changes is more effective than repeated antibiotic courses.
Common questions
When does a urinary infection become serious?
Fever, chills, flank or back pain, vomiting or feeling very unwell suggest the kidneys are involved, which needs prompt medical assessment rather than treatment at home.
Should bacteria in urine always be treated?
No. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in older adults and catheterised patients and generally should not be treated, except in pregnancy or before certain urological procedures. Unnecessary antibiotics drive resistance.
Does cranberry prevent infections?
Evidence is mixed and modest at best. Adequate fluid intake has better support, and vaginal oestrogen is effective for recurrent infections after menopause.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.