Quick answer
What is urinary tract infection (uti)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, most often the bladder. It can cause a burning feeling when peeing, needing to pee more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. UTIs are common, especially in women, and often need treatment with antibiotics.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection in part of the urinary system — the kidneys, the tubes connecting them, the bladder or the urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, particularly the bladder (sometimes called cystitis). They are very common and are much more frequent in women than men.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- needing to pee more often or more urgently than usual
- cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
- pain low in your tummy
- feeling generally unwell or tired
In older or frail people, a UTI may show up as new confusion rather than the usual urinary symptoms.
What causes UTIs
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the gut entering the urinary tract. Several things can make them more likely, including being female (because of anatomy), pregnancy, certain contraceptives, not drinking enough, and conditions that affect emptying the bladder.
Treatment
Many UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics, which usually clears symptoms within a few days. In some cases a pharmacist can help; in others a GP assessment is needed. Drinking plenty of fluids and using pain relief such as paracetamol can ease discomfort while you recover.
It is important to get advice rather than ignoring symptoms, as an untreated UTI can sometimes spread to the kidneys.
When it is more serious
A UTI that reaches the kidneys can make you very unwell, with a high temperature, back or side pain, chills and confusion. This needs urgent medical attention. If you are pregnant, male, or have repeated UTIs, it is also worth seeing a GP for a proper review.
Common questions
- What are the symptoms of a UTI?
- Common symptoms include a burning or stinging feeling when peeing, needing to pee more often or urgently, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pain low in the tummy. In older people, a UTI can sometimes cause confusion rather than the usual symptoms.
- Do UTIs always need antibiotics?
- Many UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics. Mild symptoms in some people may settle with rest and plenty of fluids, but it is best to get advice — a pharmacist or GP can tell you whether antibiotics are needed.
- How can I prevent UTIs?
- Helpful steps include drinking enough fluids, not holding in pee for long periods, wiping from front to back, and peeing after sex. If you get frequent UTIs, a GP can discuss options with you.
- When is a UTI an emergency?
- Seek urgent help if you have a high temperature, chills, pain in your back or side, feel confused or very unwell, or notice blood in your urine. These can be signs the infection has reached the kidneys, which needs prompt treatment.