Quick read
Key points
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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly the bladder (cystitis). It's usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causes symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often or urgently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Symptoms don't improve within a couple of days of starting treatment
01 · Know
What is Urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most commonly the bladder (cystitis). It's usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and causes symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often or urgently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
UTIs are common, particularly in women, and most respond well to a short course of antibiotics. If left untreated, an infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys, causing a more serious infection.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See your GP or pharmacist for advice on treatment if you have symptoms of a UTI, and seek urgent care if you develop back pain, fever, or chills.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1Symptoms don't improve within a couple of days of starting treatment
- 2You develop back or side pain, fever, chills, or nausea, which can suggest a kidney infection
- 3You notice blood in your urine
- 4UTIs are recurring frequently
- 5A child, older adult, pregnant woman, or man develops symptoms of a UTI, as these groups often need prompt assessment
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Drink plenty of water.Staying well hydrated helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- 2Urinate regularly and fully.Avoid holding urine for long periods, and try to empty your bladder completely each time.
- 3Take pain relief if needed.Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort while the infection clears.
- 4Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.This is important to fully clear the infection and prevent recurrence.
- 5Wipe front to back.This simple habit helps reduce the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most UTIs are straightforward to treat with a short course of antibiotics, and simple habits can help reduce the chance of them recurring.
Back or side pain with fever alongside urinary symptoms suggests the infection may have reached the kidneys and needs prompt medical attention.