How to know if i have urine infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.

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 UTIs

Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:

• a need to pee more often than usual
• pain or discomfort when peeing
• sudden urges to pee
• feeling as though you're unable to empty your bladder fully
• pain low down in your tummy
• urine that's cloudy, foul-smelling or contains blood
• feeling generally unwell, achy and tired

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:

• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4ºF) or above
• pain in your sides or back
• shivering and chills
• feeling and being sick
• confusion
• agitation or restlessness

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 guide

Complete this guide to assess your symptoms and find out if you should visit your GP, pharmacist or treat your condition at home.

When to get medical advice

It's a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:

• you have symptoms of an upper UTI (see above)
• the symptoms are severe or getting worse
• the symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days
• you get UTIs frequently

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 UTIs

UTIs 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.

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland: UTI treatment from your local pharmacy

Women aged 16 years or over 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.

Causes of UTIs

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 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 UTIs

If 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:

• avoiding perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals – use plain, unperfumed varieties, and have a shower rather than a bath
• going to the toilet as soon as you need to pee and always emptying your bladder fully
• staying well hydrated 
• wiping your bottom from front to back when you go to the toilet
• emptying your bladder as soon as possible after having sex
• not using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant on them – you may wish to use another method of contraception instead
• wearing underwear made from cotton, rather than synthetic material such as nylon, and avoiding tight jeans and trousers

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.

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