About urinary tract infectionsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them. Show
Anyone can get them, but they're particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs). UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics. This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children. This page covers: Symptoms When to get medical advice Treatment Causes Prevention Symptoms of UTIsInfections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:
Infections of the kidneys or ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder) are known as upper UTIs. These can cause the above symptoms and also:
Lower UTIs are common and aren't usually a cause for major concern. Upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as they could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream. UTI self-help guideComplete this guide to assess your symptoms and find out if you should visit your GP, pharmacist or treat your condition at home. Self-help guide: Urinary infection When to get medical adviceIt's a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:
Your GP can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine and can prescribe antibiotics if you do have an infection. Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they're allowed to spread. Treatment for UTIsUTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics. Most women are given a three-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 three to five days of starting treatment. But make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better. Return to your GP if your symptoms don't improve, get worse or come back after treatment. Pharmacy First: UTI treatment from your local pharmacyWomen between 16 to 65 years with uncomplicated UTIs can seek advice and treatment directly from their pharmacist through the Pharmacy First scheme. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service directory. Pharmacies Causes of UTIsUTIs occur when the urinary tract becomes infected, usually by bacteria. In most cases, bacteria from the gut enter the urinary tract through the urethra. This may occur when wiping your bottom or having sex, for example, but often it's not clear why it happens. The following may increase your risk of getting a UTI:
Women may be more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man's and is closer to their anus (back passage). Preventing UTIsIf you get UTIs frequently, there are some things you can try that may stop it coming back. However, it's not clear how effective most of these measures are. These measures include:
Speak to your GP if these measures don't work. They may suggest taking a long-term course of antibiotics or they may give you a prescription for antibiotics you can use as soon as you experience symptoms of a UTI. There's currently little evidence to suggest that drinking cranberry juice or using probiotics significantly reduces your chances of getting UTIs. How do I check myself for a UTI?You can buy a home urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit. They are available without a prescription at a drugstore or online. The home test kit contains specially treated test strips. You hold them in your urine stream or dip them in a sample of your urine.
Can a UTI away on its own?Urologist Mark Perlmutter, M.D., says a UTI can go away on its own, but not every type of UTI and not every time. “Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.”
What does start of UTI feel like?Symptoms of UTIs
Pain or burning while peeing. Frequent or intense need to urinate although little comes out when you do. Foul-smelling, cloudy, or bloody urine. Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen, just above where your bladder is located.
What are the main causes of UTI?A UTI develops when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs.
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