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Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections seen in female patients, with over 40 percent of women likely to suffer from one in their lifetime.

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Sometimes a urinary tract infection can develop into a severe infection that can cause you to become very ill and you may then need to go to hospital.

Here are some signs and symptoms you may experience if you have a UTI:

  • Needing to pee more frequently, suddenly, or more urgently than usual.
  • Pain or a burning sensation when peeing.
  • Needing to pee at night more often than usual.
  • New pain in the lower tummy.
  • New incontinence or wetting yourself that is worse than usual.
  • Kidney pain or pain in the lower back.
  • Blood in the pee.
  • Changes in behaviour, such as acting agitated or confused (delirium). This could be a symptom of a UTI but could also be due to other causes, which need to be ruled out.
  • General signs of infection, like a fever, a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery, with shaking (rigors) or chills.
  • A very low temperature below 36°C.
  • You may experience fewer of these symptoms if you have a urinary catheter.

We encourage people to know the importance of recognising and addressing UTIs promptly. Early detection and treatment are crucial, not only for the wellbeing of the individual but also to prevent the spread of infections in our communities. Understanding the signs of a UTI is a key step towards safeguarding our health and that of those around us. Additionally, hand washing with water and soap, particularly after using the toilet, is a key way to prevent onward transmission.

John Swanson, Head of Infection Prevention and Control, NHS Mid and South Essex

Keeping hydrated

Keeping hydrated is important for staying healthy and helps prevent infections of your urinary tract. Click the button below to view our factsheet on how you can keep hydrated.

Keeping hydrated

Urinary Tract Infections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Urinary tract infections are common infections that affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them. Anyone can get them, but they’re particularly common in women.

If you think you might have a UTI, ensure you are drinking enough fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Take paracetamol up to four times a day to reduce any pain.

Contact your GP if:

  • you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time
  • your child has symptoms of a UTI
  • you’re a man with symptoms of a UTI
  • you’re pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI
  • you’re caring for an older, frail person who may have symptoms of a UTI
  • you have symptoms of a UTI after surgery
  • your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 2 days
  • your symptoms come back after treatment

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:

  • have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery
  • have a very low temperature below 36C
  • are confused or drowsy
  • have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
  • can see blood in your pee

These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause sepsis.

If you cannot speak to or see a GP, or your symptoms are getting worse, call 111 or get help from 111 online.

If a GP thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed.

A GP may also:

  • offer self-care advice and recommend taking a painkiller
  • give you a prescription for a short course of antibiotics
  • give you a prescription for antibiotics, but suggest you wait for 48 hours before taking them in case your symptoms go away on their own

It’s important to take all the medicine you’re prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Antibiotics should only be taken if prescribed by a healthcare professional. Always ensure antibiotics are taken as directed on the medicine label.

These things may help prevent you from getting a UTI:

  • Drinking enough fluids. Regular drinks, like water or squash will boost hydration and help your body stay healthy. The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar- free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
  • Regularly drinking may mean more trips to the toilet. If you are having difficulties getting to the toilet or worried about incontinence discuss this with your doctor or a nurse who will be able to help you. Don’t reduce the amount you drink.
  • Not holding onto your pee, go to the toilet as soon as possible when you need to.
  • Keeping up with personal hygiene. Wash, or shower daily where possible especially if you suffer from incontinence.
  • Keeping the genital area clean and dry
  • Check and change incontinence pads often. If they are soiled, they should be changed right away.
  • Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet.
  • Avoid using irritating products such as scented soaps, gels, and sprays around the genital area.
  • Washing the skin around the genitals with water before and after sex.
  • Going for a pee as soon as possible after sex.

If you have an indwelling urinary catheter, a thin hollow flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, we recommend the following advice:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water every time before and after touching the catheter and any equipment attached to it.
  2. If possible, make sure you have a daily shower. Do this with your bag or valve attached.
  3. If it is not possible to have a shower, ensure you wash the skin in the area where the catheter enters the body with unscented soaps or gels and water at least daily
  4. For men, it is important to wash under your foreskin, replacing afterwards, unless circumcised.
  5. After using the toilet, wipe front to back with toilet tissue, to avoid moving poo from your bottom to the catheter.
  6. Urinary catheter use comes with a risk of infection, in fact for every day your catheter stays in the risk of infection increases. Therefore, long term use should be avoided wherever possible. Discuss other options with your healthcare professional.