A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, usually from the gut. Infection can occur in different parts of the urinary system, including urethra, Bladder and Kidneys.
You may experience one or more of the following:
- Passing urine more often than usual
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Sudden or urgent need to pass urine
- Blood in your urine
- Needing to pass urine at night
- Pain or discomfort in the lower tummy
Some sexually transmitted infections can cause similar symptoms as Inflammation related to sexual activity can feel like a UTI. If you are unsure, speak to a healthcare professional.
Self-care: things that may help
Many mild UTIs usually improve on their own without the need for antibiotics. You can try the following:
- Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty (aim for 6–8 glasses a day)
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief (if suitable for you)
- Try cranberry capsules or cystitis sachets – some women find these helpful
When to seek urgent help
Get urgent medical advice if you have any of the following:
- Shivering, chills, or muscle pain
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- No urine passed all day
- Vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Temperature above 38°C or below 36°C
- Pain in your back under the ribs (kidney pain)
- Symptoms getting worse
- No improvement within 48 hours of starting antibiotics
NHS Inform Symptom Checker
Check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
If you are unsure how urgent your symptoms are:
- Your local Pharmacist of contact your GP Practice for advice.
- Use the symptom checker on NHS Inform or call NHS 24 on 111
When are antibiotics needed?
Mild symptoms (one-two symptoms, or vaginal discharge present)
- Antibiotics are less likely to help
- Symptoms usually last 5–7 days
- Self-care and pain relief are recommended
More severe symptoms (three or more symptoms, no vaginal discharge)
- Antibiotics are more likely to help
- Symptoms should start to improve within 48 hours
- Symptoms usually last around three days with treatment
Your healthcare professional may:
- Prescribe antibiotics for immediate use, or
- Offer delayed / back-up antibiotics to use if:
- symptoms get worse, or
- symptoms do not start to improve after 24–48 hours
Why antibiotics aren’t always the best option
- Antibiotics can cause side effects such as thrush, rashes, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- They are not always needed – only take them when advised by a healthcare professional
- Taking antibiotics affects gut bacteria and can increase antibiotic resistance
- Bacteria causing UTIs may remain resistant for at least 6 months after antibiotic use
Learn more at antibioticguardian.com
Preventing future UTIs
You may reduce your risk by:
- Wiping front to back after using the toilet
- Passing urine as soon as you need to go
- Passing urine after sex
- Washing the external vaginal area with water before and after sex
- Drinking enough fluids to pass urine regularly, especially in hot weather
If you get recurrent UTIs
- Some women find cranberry products helpful
- After the menopause, topical vaginal hormone treatments may help – discuss with a health professional
More information about Urinary Tract Infections and what to expect can be found on NHS Inform.