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Information for patients, carers and visitors
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect the bladder and kidneys.
Anyone is susceptible to a UTI, 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 without antibiotics and plenty of fluids. However, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor in some circumstances
Symptoms of UTIs
Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:
- A need to pass urine more often than usual
- Pain or discomfort when urinating/weeing
- Sudden urges to wee
- Feeling as though you’re unable to empty your bladder fully
- Pain low down in your tummy
- Urine that looks cloudy, foul-smelling or contains blood.
Infections of the kidneys or ureters (the 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 38°C or above
- Pain in your sides or back
- Shivering and chills
- Feeling sick and vomiting
- 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.
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
- The symptoms are severe or getting worse
- The symptoms haven’t started to improve after a few days
- You get UTIs frequently
- You have increased confusion.
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.
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 back to front (especially females) or when having sex, but often it is not clear why it happens.
Women may be more likely to get UTI’s because their urethra is shorter than a man’s and is situated closer to their anus, (back passage).
Preventing UTIs
If you get UTIs frequently, there are some things you can try that may stop it recurring.
These measures include:
- Stay 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
- Wearing underwear made from cotton, rather than synthetic material such as nylon, and avoiding tight jeans and trousers
- Avoiding perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals – use plain, unperfumed varieties and have a shower rather than a bath
- Go to the toilet as soon as you need to urinate/wee and always empty your bladder fully.
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 a UTI.
Treatment for UTIs
Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotics. 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.
Key points
Antibiotic(s) prescribed to you on discharge have been clinically verified by a clinical pharmacist. This means that the following has been confirmed to be safe and appropriate:
- Choice of antibiotic
- Dose and frequency
- The duration of treatment
- Safe to take with your current medications
- Safe with your allergy history.
If you have any questions regarding your antibiotics, you can speak to your local Pharmacist or discuss any concerns with your GP.
You can also visit the following website, which discuss antibiotics and the importance of using them responsibly:
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If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.
Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints
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Approval date: 19 November 2025
Review date: 18 November 2026
Version number: 1