Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
التهاب المسالك البولية
A bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly the bladder, causing burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal discomfort. It's more common in women and is usually treated effectively with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in part of the urinary system — most often the bladder and urethra (lower tract), and sometimes the kidneys (upper tract). It is usually caused by bacteria.
Typical symptoms are burning or pain when passing urine, needing to go often or urgently, lower abdominal discomfort, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
A urine test usually confirms the diagnosis, and bacterial UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics chosen by a clinician. See a doctor promptly if you have fever, back or side pain, vomiting, blood in the urine, are pregnant, or your symptoms keep coming back.
Symptoms
Burning or pain when urinating
Passing urine more often
Often only small amounts each time.
Sudden, strong urge to urinate
Lower abdominal pain or pressure
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Blood in the urine
Urine may look pink, red or cola-coloured.
Fever and chills
Can mean the infection has reached the kidneys.
Pain in the side or back
Usually felt below the ribs, on one or both sides.
Different signs in young children and older adults
Young children may have fever, irritability or poor feeding; older adults may show new confusion or general unwellness instead of typical urinary symptoms.
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Bacteria entering the urethra — Most often bacteria from the bowel, which travel up the urethra into the bladder.
- Bladder not emptying fully — Urine that stays in the bladder gives bacteria time to multiply.
- Kidney stones or a urinary blockage — These slow or obstruct the flow of urine.
- Urinary catheters — A catheter can carry bacteria into the bladder.
Risk factors
- Being female — A shorter urethra close to the anus makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
- Sexual activity
- Menopause — Hormonal changes alter the lining and bacterial balance of the urinary tract.
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes or a weakened immune system
- An enlarged prostate or other urinary obstruction
- Previous or frequent UTIs
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with your symptoms and a simple urine test. In an uncomplicated case, that may be all that is needed.
Symptoms and medical history
Your clinician asks about symptoms, previous infections, pregnancy, diabetes and other conditions.
Urine test (urinalysis)
A urine sample is checked for signs of infection such as white blood cells, nitrites and blood.
Urine culture
The sample is grown in a lab to identify the bacteria and the antibiotics that work against them. It is used mainly for complicated or repeated infections and in pregnancy.
Further tests when needed
Blood tests, ultrasound or other imaging may be used for a suspected kidney infection, repeated infections, stones or blockage.
Related tests
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection and on the person. Bacterial UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics selected by a clinician — the choice and length of treatment depend on age, sex, pregnancy, other health conditions and, where available, urine culture results and local resistance patterns.
Antibiotics
Prescribed when a bacterial UTI is confirmed or strongly suspected. Take them exactly as directed and never use leftover antibiotics.
Symptom relief
Drinking fluids and simple pain relief, as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, can ease discomfort while treatment works. They do not cure the infection.
Kidney and complicated infections
Upper-tract infections and infections in pregnancy, men, children, or people with catheters or blockages need prompt medical assessment, and some need hospital treatment.
Follow-up for repeat infections
If UTIs keep coming back, a doctor may look for an underlying cause and discuss ways to prevent them.
This is general information. Do not start or stop antibiotics without medical advice — the right treatment differs from patient to patient.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Symptoms are getting worse or have not improved after a few days
- There is blood in your urine
- You are pregnant
- The patient is a man or a child — UTIs are less common in these groups and should always be assessed
- Infections keep coming back
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or a urinary catheter
Seek urgent care if
- High fever with shivering or chills
- Pain in the side, back or under the ribs
- Nausea or vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down
- New confusion, drowsiness or feeling severely unwell
Prevention
Drink enough fluids
Regular fluids help flush bacteria out. If you have kidney or heart disease, ask your doctor how much is right for you.
Don't hold urine
Empty your bladder when you feel the need.
Urinate after sex
This may help flush out bacteria.
Wipe from front to back
This reduces the spread of bowel bacteria towards the urethra.
Avoid perfumed products in the genital area
Scented soaps, bubble baths and powders can irritate the urethra.
Frequently asked questions
What is a urinary tract infection?
A UTI is an infection of part of the urinary system, usually caused by bacteria. It most often affects the bladder (cystitis) and urethra, and can spread to the kidneys.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
The most common are burning when urinating, frequent or urgent urination, lower abdominal discomfort and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Fever and back or side pain suggest the kidneys may be involved.
Is a UTI contagious?
A UTI does not spread like a cold. The bacteria usually come from your own bowel or skin area. Sexual activity can make infections more likely, but UTIs are not generally classed as sexually transmitted infections.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
Usually with your symptoms and a urine test. A urine culture may be added for complicated or repeated infections, during pregnancy, or when a first treatment does not work.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Mild bladder infections sometimes improve without treatment, but an untreated infection can spread to the kidneys. If symptoms continue or worsen after a couple of days, see a doctor.
Why do UTIs keep coming back?
Repeat infections can be linked to incomplete bladder emptying, stones, menopause, diabetes or how bacteria enter the urethra. A doctor can look for a cause and suggest ways to prevent them.
When does a UTI become serious?
When it reaches the kidneys, or in people at higher risk — signs include high fever, chills, back or side pain and vomiting. Seek medical care promptly if these appear.
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Medical sources
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