Urinary infections
Burning, frequency and cloudy urine. Why women are affected more often, why infection in men is looked into sooner, and how to follow up an infection that keeps returning.
What is a urinary infection?
A urinary infection means germs have entered the urethra and reached the bladder or even the kidney. These germs usually come from the bowel. Women have a shorter urethra, so germs reach the bladder more easily and infections are more common in women.
Symptoms
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Frequency and urgency, by day or night
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pain low in the abdomen or in the back, just under the ribs
- Fever, feeling cold and shivery, or tiredness
In older people and those with a catheter, confusion or unusual behaviour and worsening leaks can also be signs of infection.
What makes infection more likely?
- Pregnancy and the menopause
- Problems that block the flow of urine, such as stones
- A bladder that does not empty fully, for example with an enlarged prostate
- A urinary catheter
- A weakened immune system, such as poorly controlled diabetes
- Not drinking enough
Who should be checked soon?
In some people a urinary infection should not be left alone, because it can reach the kidney and become dangerous. These people should contact a doctor sooner:
- Men
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 or over, and children
- People with diabetes or a weakened immune system
- People with a catheter
- Anyone with fever, shivering, pain in the side or blood in the urine
- Anyone whose symptoms get worse quickly or have not improved 48 hours after starting treatment
If someone becomes confused or drowsy or has trouble speaking, go to the emergency department at once.
Treatment
The doctor may ask for a urine test. Sometimes a short course of antibiotics is prescribed, and sometimes treatment starts with a painkiller and enough fluids. Do not start antibiotics on your own or use medicine left over from last time.
An infection that comes back
If you have had 2 infections in 6 months or 3 in 12 months, it needs following up. The doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic or suggest preventive treatment. After the menopause, local oestrogen treatment may be considered. Sometimes further tests are needed to see whether something such as a stone or incomplete emptying is keeping the infection going.
Things that help
- Drink enough, especially water, to pass urine regularly during the day
- Do not hold on, and do not rush, so that the bladder empties fully
- Pass urine soon after sex
- Wipe from front to back
- Wear cotton underwear that is not tight, and avoid scented soap around the genitals
Frequently asked questions
Are antibiotics always needed?
Not always. The doctor decides whether you need them and may sometimes ask you to wait a little. If antibiotics are prescribed, finish the course even if you feel better soon.
Does cranberry juice cure an infection?
There is no evidence that cranberry eases symptoms or treats an infection that has already started. Some people use it to prevent infections, which may help.
Does dark or smelly urine mean an infection?
If this is your only symptom, you may simply not have been drinking enough.
To begin: a clear conversation.
Go to the booking page or talk to the support team. Have your test results, scans and list of medicines ready.