Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, and is more common in women because of their shorter urethra. Most are simple bladder infections treated with a short antibiotic course, but some need more care: kidney infection, pregnancy, men and recurrent infection.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Types
| Type | Where | Main symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Cystitis | Bladder | Burning, frequency, urgency, lower abdominal pain |
| Pyelonephritis | Kidney | Fever and shivering, side or back pain, vomiting |
| Urethritis | Urethra | Burning and discharge; may be a sexually transmitted infection |
| Asymptomatic bacteriuria | On testing only | No symptoms; usually not treated except in pregnancy and before some procedures |
Causes and risk factors
- In women: a short urethra, sex, menopause and pregnancy.
- In men: an enlarged or inflamed prostate, urethral narrowing and catheters.
- Stones and blockages, diabetes and weak immunity.
- Not emptying the bladder fully.
Diagnosis
- Urine test for signs of infection. Read about the urine test and culture.
- Urine culture for men and pregnant women, for recurrent or non-responding infection, or suspected kidney infection, to identify the bacteria and the right antibiotic.
- Ultrasound or other tests for recurrent infection in men, stones or blockage.
Treatment
The doctor chooses the antibiotic according to the case, culture and local resistance. According to NICE, the usual course is:
- 3 days for non-pregnant women with uncomplicated infection.
- 7 days for men and pregnant women.
Painkillers and fluids ease symptoms. Do not use leftover antibiotics, and do not stop treatment early unless your doctor says so, as this increases resistance.
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
- Fever or shivering, side or back pain, or vomiting.
- Pregnancy.
- Men, as infection needs more assessment.
- No improvement within 48 hours of treatment.
- Blood in the urine, or repeated infections.
Prevention
- Drink enough fluid and do not hold urine for long.
- Pass urine after sex.
- For women: wipe from front to back.
- Treat constipation and control diabetes.
Related articles
- Kidney infection: symptoms and emergency signs
- UTI after sex: causes and prevention
- Bacteria in urine without symptoms: treat or not?
- Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome)
- UTI in pregnancy: can it harm the baby?
- Recurrent UTI: causes and prevention plan
- Antibiotics for UTI: when needed and how long?
- UTI home remedies: what works and what does not
- Burning urination
- Urine test and culture
- Urology for women
- Urological Infections, Part 1: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Pathophysiology
- Urological Infections, Part 2: Urosepsis, Prostatitis and HPV
- Ureaplasma infection of the bladder and prostate
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
Burning on passing urine, frequent and urgent urination, lower abdominal pain, cloudy or smelly urine and sometimes blood in the urine. Fever, side pain and vomiting may mean the infection has reached the kidney.
How long is a UTI treated?
According to NICE: usually 3 days for non-pregnant women with uncomplicated infection, and 7 days for men and pregnant women. The doctor chooses the antibiotic and duration based on the case and culture.
Does every UTI need a urine culture?
No. But culture matters for men and pregnant women, for recurrent infections or failed treatment, and when kidney infection is suspected.
Is a UTI contagious?
A bacterial bladder infection is not usually passed between people like a sexually transmitted infection, though sex can make it more likely in some women. Urethritis in men may be caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
When is a UTI serious?
With fever and shivering, side or back pain, vomiting, in pregnancy, in men, older people, people with diabetes or weak immunity, or if there is no improvement within 48 hours of treatment.
Sources
Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess urinary tract infections at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City, and discuss the options that suit your case. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.