Worried about urinary tract infections?

What is urinary tract infections?

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Symptoms include pain or burning when peeing, needing to pee more often, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower tummy pain. Mild cases in women often clear up on their own within a few days. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking painkillers helps.

When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP

• You think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and you are a woman or girl aged between 16 and 64 and are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• A pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat a UTI. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.
• You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:
• You're aged 65 or older.
• Your child is aged 15 or younger.
• You have a very high or low temperature, feel hot or cold, or are shivering.
• You're a man, or are trans or non-binary and were assigned male at birth.
• You have diabetes.
• Your symptoms get worse quickly, or do not improve within 48 hours (2 days) of starting treatment or treating it yourself.
• You keep getting UTIs (2 within 6 months, or 3 within 12 months).
• You use a catheter.
• You're pregnant.
• You have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs.
• You have blood in your pee – your pee may look bright pink, red or dark brown.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• Some of these could be symptoms of a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated as it could cause sepsis.
• You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Self-care information from NHS

• You think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and you are a woman or girl aged between 16 and 64 and are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• A pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat a UTI. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.
• To help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
• Take paracetamol up to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature.
• You can give children liquid paracetamol.
• Rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day.
• Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder, like fruit juices, coffee and alcohol.
• Some people who are not pregnant take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. But there's no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.
• There are some things you can try to help prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) happening or prevent it returning.
• Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet.
• Keep the genital area clean and dry.
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that you regularly pee during the day and do not feel thirsty.
• Wash the skin around the vagina with water before and after sex.
• Pee as soon as possible after sex.
• Promptly change nappies or incontinence pads if they are soiled.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Do not use scented soap around the genital area.
• Do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go.
• Do not rush when going for a pee – try to fully empty your bladder.
• Do not wear tight underwear.
• Do not drink lots of alcoholic drinks, as they may irritate your bladder.
• Do not have lots of sugary food or drinks, as they may encourage bacteria to grow.
• Do not use condoms or a diaphragm or cap with spermicidal lube on them – try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception.

Common questions

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