Urinary Tract Infections

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

• A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system
• It can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra
• Most UTIs involve the bladder and urethra

What causes a urinary tract infection?

• UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra
• The bacteria can multiply in the bladder and sometimes spread to the kidneys
• E coli is the most common cause of bladder infections

What are the common symptoms of a UTI?

• You may feel pain or burning when passing urine
• You may need to pass urine more often or urgently
• Your urine may look cloudy or contain blood
• You may have pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis

Who is more likely to get a UTI?

• Women are more likely to develop UTIs because they have a shorter urethra
• People with diabetes, kidney stones or an enlarged prostate have a higher risk
• Pregnancy, menopause and catheter use can also increase the risk
• Anyone can develop a UTI

How is a UTI diagnosed?

• Your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and medical history
• A urine test may be done to look for signs of infection
• A urine culture can identify the bacteria causing the infection
• Additional tests may be needed if infections keep returning or do not improve

How are urinary tract infections treated?

• Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional
• The antibiotic is chosen based on the bacteria causing the infection
• Some severe infections may need treatment in hospital

Why is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics?

• Finish all your antibiotics even if you start feeling better
• Stopping treatment early may allow the infection to return
• Completing the course helps treat the infection effectively

How soon will I feel better after starting treatment?

• Most people begin to feel better within a few days of starting antibiotics
• Continue taking your medicine exactly as prescribed
• Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or become worse

Can I help prevent urinary tract infections?

• Drink plenty of water every day
• Practise good personal hygiene
• Pass urine regularly and after sexual activity
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear if possible
• Discuss preventive treatment with your healthcare professional if you get frequent UTIs

Can a UTI go away on its own?

• Some mild UTIs may improve without treatment
• Most UTIs need antibiotics to clear the infection
• Seek medical advice if you have symptoms of a UTI

What can happen if a UTI is left untreated?

• The infection can spread from the bladder to the kidneys
• Kidney infections can become serious and may cause lasting kidney damage
• In severe cases, the infection can lead to sepsis, which is a medical emergency

When should I seek urgent medical care for a UTI?

• Seek urgent medical care if you have fever, chills or vomiting
• Get medical help if you develop severe back or side pain
• These symptoms may suggest that the infection has spread to the kidneys

Can UTIs come back?

• Yes, some people have recurrent UTIs
• Women are more likely to experience repeated infections
• Your healthcare professional may recommend preventive measures or treatment if UTIs occur frequently

Can cranberry products help prevent UTIs?

• Cranberry juice has not been proven to prevent UTIs
• Cranberry extract supplements may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in some people
• Speak with your healthcare professional before taking supplements

What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of UTIs?

• Drink plenty of water each day
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Pass urine before and after sexual activity
• Avoid products that may irritate the genital area
• Wear loose-fitting clothing if possible

Can children and older adults get UTIs?

• Yes, UTIs can affect people of all ages
• In infants and young children, fever may be the only sign
• In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions

What should I do while recovering from a UTI?

• Drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise
• Take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed
• Do not share or save leftover antibiotics
• Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen or you develop side effects

Can UTIs be completely cured?

• Most UTIs respond well to the correct antibiotic treatment
• Symptoms usually improve quickly after treatment starts
• Follow your healthcare professional's advice to reduce the risk of another infection

References

1. Urinary tract infections [online]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections. Accessed on 17 July, 2026.

2. Urinary tract infections (UTI) [online]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447. Accessed on 17 July, 2026.

3. Urinary tract infection basics [online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/uti/about/index.html. Accessed on 17 July, 2026.