Urinary tract infections—usually called UTIs—are common infections that can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys. They are often uncomfortable, but most UTIs can be successfully treated when recognised early.
Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical advice can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra—the tube through which urine leaves the body.
UTIs can affect different areas:
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Cystitis: an infection of the bladder
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Urethritis: an infection or inflammation of the urethra
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Kidney infection: a more serious infection affecting one or both kidneys
Women are more likely to develop UTIs because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. However, UTIs can affect people of any age or gender.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?
Common UTI symptoms include:
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A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine
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Needing to urinate more frequently than usual
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A sudden or urgent need to urinate
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Passing only a small amount of urine
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Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
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Blood in the urine
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Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
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Feeling tired, weak or generally unwell
Strong-smelling or dark urine by itself does not always mean you have a UTI. It may simply be a sign that you are not drinking enough fluids.
UTI symptoms can also resemble those caused by sexually transmitted infections, vaginal irritation and other health conditions. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms.
What Causes UTIs?
Most UTIs occur when bacteria—often bacteria from the bowel—enter the urinary tract through the urethra.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a UTI include:
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Not drinking enough fluids
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Holding urine for long periods
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Not fully emptying the bladder
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Sexual activity
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Pregnancy
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Menopause
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Kidney stones
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An enlarged prostate
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Urinary catheters
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Constipation
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Diabetes
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A weakened immune system
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Conditions that obstruct the urinary tract
UTIs are not considered sexually transmitted infections and cannot normally be passed to a partner. However, sexual activity can sometimes move bacteria towards the urethra and trigger an infection.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Treatment depends on the person’s symptoms, medical history and the type or severity of the infection.
A healthcare professional may assess your symptoms and, when appropriate, arrange a urine test. Some mild lower UTIs may improve within a few days, while other infections require antibiotics.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and complete the full course—even if you begin to feel better. Do not use antibiotics left over from a previous infection or belonging to somebody else.
Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making infections more difficult to treat in the future.
How to Manage UTI Discomfort
While waiting for symptoms to improve, the following measures may help:
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Rest and drink enough fluids to remain well hydrated
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Take paracetamol if it is suitable for you
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Use a covered hot-water bottle on your lower abdomen or back
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Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine if they irritate your bladder
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Avoid sexual activity until you feel more comfortable
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Do not delay going to the toilet when you feel the urge
Always follow the dosage instructions supplied with pain relief. Speak to your pharmacist before taking medication if you are pregnant, have kidney or liver problems, take other medicines or are unsure whether it is suitable.
Cystitis-relief sachets may temporarily reduce discomfort for some people, but they do not treat the underlying bacterial infection. Ask your pharmacist whether these products are appropriate for you.
When Should You Contact a GP?
Contact a GP if:
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You are experiencing UTI symptoms for the first time
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You are pregnant
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You are a man with UTI symptoms
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A child has possible UTI symptoms
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An older or vulnerable person may have a UTI
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You have blood in your urine
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Your symptoms are not improving
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Symptoms return after treatment
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You have repeated UTIs
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You have diabetes, a urinary catheter or a weakened immune system
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You are concerned about your symptoms
Children with UTIs may appear generally unwell, develop a fever, wet themselves, avoid urinating because it hurts or experience changes in feeding. Babies and young children with possible UTI symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Warning Signs of a Kidney Infection
An untreated lower UTI can sometimes spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection can be serious and requires prompt medical attention.
Seek urgent medical advice if you have:
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Pain in your side or back, particularly beneath the ribs
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A high temperature
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Chills or shivering
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Increasing weakness or drowsiness
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Symptoms that are rapidly becoming worse
Seek emergency help if someone becomes severely unwell, confused, short of breath, develops mottled or discoloured skin, has not passed urine for many hours or shows other possible signs of sepsis. In Ireland, call 112 or 999 in an emergency.
UTIs in Older People
UTIs can be more difficult to recognise in older adults, particularly those living with dementia. New urinary symptoms may be accompanied by confusion, agitation, loss of bladder control or changes in behaviour.
However, confusion can have many possible causes and does not automatically mean that someone has a UTI. The person should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than treated based on confusion alone.
How Can You Help Prevent UTIs?
Although it is not always possible to prevent a UTI, these habits may reduce the risk:
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Drink enough fluids throughout the day
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Do not regularly hold in urine
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Take time to empty your bladder fully
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Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
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Urinate as soon as possible after sexual activity
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Avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths, scented wipes and talcum powder around the genital area
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Wear comfortable, breathable cotton underwear
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Change nappies or incontinence pads regularly
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Manage constipation
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Keep the genital area clean and dry without over-washing
Some people use cranberry products or probiotics in an attempt to prevent recurring UTIs. Evidence for their effectiveness remains limited, and they should not replace medical assessment or prescribed treatment. Cranberry products may also interact with some medicines, including warfarin, so ask your pharmacist before using them.
What If UTIs Keep Returning?
Recurring UTIs should be discussed with your GP. Further assessment may be needed to identify factors such as bladder-emptying problems, kidney stones, prostate problems or changes associated with menopause.
Depending on the cause, a doctor may discuss preventative treatment. For some women experiencing menopause-related symptoms, vaginal oestrogen may be considered following an appropriate medical assessment.
Speak to Your Pharmacist
The Common Conditions Service enables community pharmacists to provide advice and offer expanded treatment options to patients for eight common conditions.
While pharmacists already provide advice, over-the-counter treatment and/or referral for these conditions, this new service expands community pharmacists’ ability to manage and treat patients with these common conditions by enabling them to prescribe certain prescription-only medicines, where appropriate, in line with HSE clinical protocols.
Your pharmacist can offer advice on symptom relief, suitable pain medication and whether you should contact your GP.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for diagnosis or personalised medical advice. Information checked against current HSE guidance on urinary tract infections.
