Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - A bacterial infection of the bladder or kidneys causing burning urine and urgency.
What is Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most often the bladder (cystitis). It is usually caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra. UTIs are much more common in women. If infection spreads to the kidneys it becomes more serious and needs prompt treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Shorter urethra in women
- Sexual activity
- Not emptying the bladder fully
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Urinary catheters
- Diabetes and kidney stones
Signs and Symptoms
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Needing to urinate often or urgently
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Blood in urine
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Fever, shivering, back or side pain (possible kidney infection)
- Vomiting
- Confusion in older adults
- UTI in men, children or pregnancy - see a doctor
Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging
A urine dipstick and urine culture confirm infection and guide antibiotic choice.
Treatment and Medicines
Antibiotics are prescribed according to local guidance and culture results. Drinking fluids and pain relief help. Kidney infections may need longer treatment or hospital care.
Emergency
If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.
Complications
Kidney infection, sepsis and recurrent infections.
Prevention
- Drink enough water
- Do not hold urine for long
- Wipe front to back
- Pass urine after sex
Outlook and Follow-up
Most simple UTIs clear within days of treatment.
Patient Education
Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Urinary Tract Infection guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UTI go away by itself?
Mild cases sometimes do, but see a doctor if symptoms last or worsen.
Is cranberry juice effective?
Evidence is mixed; it is not a treatment.
Why do I keep getting UTIs?
Recurrent infections need assessment for underlying causes.
Sources
We summarise these sources in our own words. Mention of an organisation does not imply endorsement.