Urinary Tract Infections
Infection of the bladder or urinary tract, far more common in women than men.
Last revised
Key takeaways
- Typical symptoms: burning on passing urine, urgency, frequency, lower abdominal pain
- Pharmacy First (England): pharmacists can treat uncomplicated UTI in women aged 16-64
- Most useful single change: Drink enough fluid to keep urine pale.
- Commonest mistake: Requesting antibiotics for symptoms that may not be infection.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Why it matters
Most are straightforward, but the symptoms overlap with conditions that are not, and recurrent infection has causes worth finding.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Typical symptoms | burning on passing urine, urgency, frequency, lower abdominal pain |
| Pharmacy First (England) | pharmacists can treat uncomplicated UTI in women aged 16-64 |
| Recurrent UTI | defined as 2 in 6 months or 3 in a year |
| Cranberry products | evidence is weak and inconsistent |
| In older adults | confusion may be the main sign |
What helps
- Drink enough fluid to keep urine pale
- Use a community pharmacy first for an uncomplicated infection
- Complete any antibiotic course exactly as prescribed
- Ask for investigation if infections are recurrent
What to avoid
- Requesting antibiotics for symptoms that may not be infection
- Relying on cranberry products as treatment
- Ignoring blood in the urine, even if symptoms settle
Where to go next
- Your Questions About Urinary Tract Infections, Answered
- Urinary Tract Infections: Just the Figures
- Pelvic Floor: What the Evidence Actually Says
- The Evidence on Period Pain, Without the Hype
When to get help
Seek urgent medical help for fever, shivering, back or flank pain, vomiting, or confusion with urinary symptoms — these suggest a kidney infection or sepsis. Always report blood in the urine to a GP, even if it happens once and settles. Seek advice promptly for urinary symptoms in pregnancy, in men, or in anyone with a catheter.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.