Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — Causes, Symptoms and When to Seek Help
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection affecting the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. UTIs are very common, particularly in women, and they are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. While most infections affect the lower urinary tract, they can occasionally spread to the kidneys if left untreated. If you have urinary symptoms, Sunshine Clinic offers private assessment and treatment with no GP referral required.
Symptoms of an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are a burning or stinging sensation when passing urine, needing to urinate more often than usual, a strong and sudden urge to go even when very little urine is produced, and discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen. Urine may appear cloudy or have an unusual smell.
Other signs may include blood stained urine (haematuria) and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
Cystitis can cause a frequent desire to urinate. Often only a small amount of urine is passed but there is a burning or scalding pain whilst urinating. It sometimes includes the involuntary passing of a small squirt of urine on coughing or laughing (stress incontinence).
If you also develop a high temperature, feel shivery or generally unwell, or have pain in your back or sides, this may indicate the infection has reached the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and needs prompt attention.
Causes of a Urinary Tract Infection?
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and travelling to the bladder. The most common cause is a bacterium called Escherichia coli, which lives naturally in the bowel. Because the female urethra is shorter than in men, women are more prone to UTIs, though men can develop them too.
Other factors that can make a UTI more likely include recent sexual activity, a weakened immune system, structural changes in the urinary tract, and, in men, an enlarged prostate. Some people are simply more prone to urinary infections than others, and if you find that UTIs keep returning, we can carry out a proper review to establish why.
UTIs are not sexually transmitted infections, though sexual activity can sometimes trigger one.
Testing for an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Diagnosing a urinary tract infection usually starts with a review of your symptoms. In many cases, a urine sample is tested to look for signs of infection, this may involve a dipstick test for a quick initial result, or a urine culture to identify the bacteria present and guide treatment.
We may also ask how long symptoms have been present and whether you have had UTIs before. If there are any features suggesting the infection may have spread to the kidneys, or if something in your history warrants a closer look, we will advise on further assessment.
What is Cystitis?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is a very common form of urinary tract infection and produces the familiar symptoms of burning when urinating, needing to go more frequently, and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
The terms cystitis and UTI are often used interchangeably, and in most cases they describe the same thing: an infection affecting the lower urinary tract. We assess your symptoms to establish the likely cause and advise on the most appropriate next step for you.
Cystitis can affect both men and women, though it is more common in women. Mild cases sometimes clear on their own, but if your symptoms are worsening, recurring or not settling within a few days, it is worth having a proper assessment rather than waiting.
Urinary Tract Infections in Men
Although UTIs are more common in women, men do develop them too. When a man has a urinary tract infection, it is worth having a proper clinical assessment rather than assuming it is straightforward. In men, a UTI can sometimes be associated with an underlying issue such as an enlarged prostate, a structural problem with the urinary tract, or a related condition such as prostatitis.
The symptoms are broadly similar to those in women: a burning sensation when urinating, increased frequency, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort. Some men also notice discharge, which may point to a different underlying cause that we would want to assess separately.
If you are a man experiencing urinary symptoms, we recommend attending for assessment rather than waiting. Recurrent UTIs in men in particular are worth investigating properly.
Treatment for an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Treatment usually requires a course of antibiotics, ideally tailored according to sensitivity determined from the urine culture, typically this will be amoxycillin or trimethoprim.
Mild cystitis will usually go away by itself within 2-4 days without any treatment, drinking at least 3-4 litres in 24 hours may relieve symptoms. The use of over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can help cope with the symptoms (always read the label).
If you are looking for a prompt private assessment and treatment, visit our private urinary tract infection treatment page, no GP referral is needed.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Urinating soon after sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of infection. Fully emptying the bladder each time you urinate is also thought to be helpful, as is wiping from front to back after using the toilet. For patients who experience frequent infections, we can discuss whether a longer-term preventive approach is appropriate.
Complications from Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
If a urinary tract infection is not treated or does not respond to treatment, there is a risk it can spread to the kidneys, causing a more serious infection known as pyelonephritis. This typically produces additional symptoms such as a high temperature, back or side pain, and feeling generally unwell.
Complications are more likely if a course of antibiotics is not completed, if the bacteria involved are resistant to the antibiotic prescribed, or if there is an underlying bladder or kidney problem. Women after the menopause may also be more prone to UTIs due to changes in the urinary tract, if this applies to you, we can advise on longer-term options at your appointment.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Some people experience urinary tract infections repeatedly. Recurrent UTIs are generally defined as two or more infections within six months, or three or more within twelve months. If this applies to you, we recommend a clinical review rather than continuing to manage each episode individually.
Recurrent infections can sometimes have an identifiable cause. Structural changes in the urinary tract, incomplete bladder emptying, hormonal changes after the menopause, or a history of certain types of sexual activity can all play a role. In some cases, a longer-term low-dose antibiotic approach can help to reduce the frequency of infections.
If your UTIs keep returning, we can assess the pattern of your infections, review your history in more detail, and advise on the most appropriate next step. Visit our private urinary tract infection treatment page to find out more about what a Sunshine Clinic assessment involves.
When Should You Seek Help for a UTI?
Most urinary tract infections can be assessed and managed without urgent action. However, some symptoms suggest the infection may be more serious and needs prompt attention.
You should seek help promptly if you develop a high temperature or feel feverish and shivery, have pain in your back or sides rather than just your lower abdomen, feel very unwell, notice blood in your urine, are pregnant, or if your symptoms are getting significantly worse rather than improving.
These can be signs that the infection has spread beyond the bladder, and early assessment matters in these cases. If you are unsure whether your symptoms warrant urgent attention, it is always better to seek advice rather than wait.
For a prompt private assessment with no GP referral required, visit our private urinary tract infection treatment page.
I May Have an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If you have urinary symptoms and would like a prompt private assessment, Sunshine Clinic offers confidential appointments with no GP referral required. We assess your symptoms, advise on testing where appropriate, and recommend the most suitable plan for your individual circumstances.
To arrange an appointment or find out more about what to expect, visit our private urinary tract infection treatment page or contact Sunshine Clinic directly.