Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and they can be painful and uncomfortable. But they usually pass within a few days or can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics. UTIs are more common in women than men.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
The symptoms of an infection in your upper urinary tract (kidney and ureters) are different from symptoms of infection in your lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).
However, in some cases you may notice the symptoms of both, as one can spread to the other.
Symptoms of a UTI are similar to those of many other conditions and don't necessarily mean you have an infection.
Lower urinary tract infection
Symptoms of a lower UTI can include:
- feeling a strong urge to urinate (pee) and more often than usual, a constant, dull pain in the pubic region and pain when urinating (dysuria)
- cloudy urine (pee) or blood in your urine (haematuria)
- urine that smells unusually unpleasant
- back pain
- a general sense of feeling unwell
Upper urinary tract infection
Symptoms of an upper UTI can include:
- pain and discomfort in your side, lower back or around your genitals
- a high temperature (it may reach 39.5C or 103.1F)
- shivering or chills
- feeling very weak or tired
- loss of appetite
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
Treating urinary tract infections
Your recommended treatment plan by your GP will depend on whether your infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract.
Both types of urinary tract infection can usually be treated at home using a course of antibiotics.
If an upper UTI is more serious or there is increased risk of complications, you may need hospital treatment.
When to seek medical advice
You may find your UTI symptoms are mild and pass within a few days. However, you should see your GP if you find your symptoms very uncomfortable or if they last for more than five days.
Also see your GP if you have a UTI and:
- you develop a high temperature (it may reach 39.5C or 103.1F)
- your symptoms suddenly get worse
- you are pregnant
- you have diabetes
Aboutthe urinary tract
The urinary tract is where your bodymake and get rid of urine. It's made up of:
- the kidneys – two bean-shaped organs, about the size of your fists, that make urine out of waste materials from the blood
- the ureters – tubes that run from the kidney to the bladder
- the bladder – where urine is stored until you go to the toilet
- the urethra – the tube from the bladder through which urine leaves the body
Causes ofurinary tract infections
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that live in the digestive system.
If these bacteria get into the urethra (the tube where urine comes out), they can cause infection. It's thought the bacteria can spread from the skin around the anus to the urethra.
Women are more likely to develop a UTI than men. This is because a woman's urethra is located closer to the anus than a man's, which makes it easier for bacteria from the anus to reach the urethra.
Preventing urinary tract infection
You can reduce your chances of developing a UTI by keeping your bladder and urethra (the tube that allows urine to pass out of your body) free from bacteria.
You can help prevent an infection by:
- drinking plenty of fluids
- keeping your genitals clean
- treating any constipation
Toilet tips
To help keep your urinary tract free from bacteria:
- go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to urinate (to pee), rather than holding it in
- wipe from front to back after going to the toilet
- practice good hygiene by washing your genitals every day and before having sex
- empty your bladder after having sex
- if you're a woman, avoid ‘hovering’ over a toilet seat as it can result in your bladder not being fully emptied
Diaphragms and condoms
If you use a diaphragm and have recurring UTIs, you might want to consider changing to another method of contraception. This is because the diaphragm may press on your bladder and prevent it emptying completely when youurinate.
If you get recurring UTIs and you usecondoms, try using condoms that don't have a spermicidal lubricant on them– it will say whether it does on the packet.
Spermicidal lubricant can cause irritation and may make it more likely that you'll experience symptoms similar to a UTI.
More useful links
- How to use your health services
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information seeterms and conditions.
FAQs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men.
What is the ICD 10 code for urinary tract infection? ›
Urinary tract infection, site not specified
N39. 0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursem*nt purposes. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM N39. 0 became effective on October 1, 2023.
What is the most common cause of a urinary tract infection UTI )? ›
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. The female anatomy contributes to women's increased likelihood of contracting a UTI.
What is the fastest way a UTI can go away? ›
While UTIs are not medical emergencies, they can lead to complications if left untreated. Additionally, the fastest way to cure a UTI is through antibiotic medication. Antibiotics will kill harmful bacteria. This will reduce symptoms quickly and prevent the infection from worsening.
Can UTI go away on its own? ›
Sometimes a UTI will go away on its own. Most people will need antibiotics. Some people may be prescribed a 'delayed antibiotic', meaning they'll be asked only to use it if their symptoms don't go away after a certain amount of time.
Can you get rid of a UTI infection on your own? ›
If your symptoms are minor, it's reasonable to try extra fluids and cranberry products to see if it resolves over the course of a day. If it doesn't, work with your doctor to get a urine test or visit urgent care. However, if you have severe symptoms that are very bothersome, consider taking action quicker.
How do you know if you have an infection in your urine? ›
pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria) needing to pee more often than usual. needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia) needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual.
What is a complicated UTI? ›
A complicated UTI is any UTI other than a simple UTI, as defined above. Therefore, all UTIs in immunocompromised patients, males, pregnant patients, and those associated with fevers, stones, sepsis, urinary obstruction, catheters, or involving the kidneys are considered complicated infections.
What does repeated UTI mean? ›
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are 2 episodes of acute bacterial cystitis, associated symptoms within the last 6 months, or 3 episodes within the previous year.[1] Recurrent UTIs are more common in women.
What are the 5 warning signs of a bladder infection? ›
Lower urinary tract infection
- feeling a strong urge to urinate (pee) and more often than usual, a constant, dull pain in the pubic region and pain when urinating (dysuria)
- cloudy urine (pee) or blood in your urine (haematuria)
- urine that smells unusually unpleasant.
- back pain.
- a general sense of feeling unwell.
UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys. A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.
What not to do when you have a UTI? ›
4 Things to Avoid When You Have a UTI
- Don't drink alcohol or caffeine with a UTI. When you have a UTI, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. ...
- Avoid swimming and taking baths with a UTI. ...
- Sex can make a UTI worse. ...
- Don't use tampons with a UTI.
Several other infectious and non-infectious disease processes can cause symptoms that mimic a UTI. These include conditions such as vaginitis, overactive bladder, and kidney stones; some sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and diseases such as bladder cancer.
What feels like a UTI but isn't? ›
Although signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, there's usually no infection. However, symptoms may worsen if a person with interstitial cystitis gets a urinary tract infection.
What are 4 symptoms of a UTI? ›
Symptoms
- Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor.
- Low grade fever in some people.
- Pain or burning with urination.
- Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
- Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied.
UTIs 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 happen when wiping your bottom or having sex. But often it's not clear why it happens.
What is the difference between a UTI and a urinary tract infection? ›
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) include bladder infections, but bladder infections are distinct from UTIs in general. A UTI affects one or more parts of the urinary tract. The parts include the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. An infection that affects only the bladder is known as a bladder infection.
Can you fix a urinary tract infection? ›
Most UTIs usually respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be annoying or uncomfortable before you start treatment. However, once a healthcare provider identifies the bacteria and prescribes the appropriate antibiotic, your symptoms should improve quickly.
