UTIs and urinary symptoms

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is it?

UTI is an infection of the urinary tract which can include the urethra (tube you pee from), bladder or kidneys.

Symptoms

Possible symptoms people may experience include:

• Pain when peeing
• Peeing more often than normal, or at night
• Urgency: needing to go to the toilet suddenly
• Urine appears cloudy or to have blood in it
• Lower tummy pain, or pain in your back
• Feeling hot and cold or shivery

When should I test?

We can test for a UTI if you have symptoms which may suggest an infection. It is a good idea to do a sexual health screen too, as sometimes the symptoms can be similar.

How is it tested?

Your clinician will ask questions about your symptoms and ask for a urine sample.

How is it treated?

Sometimes UTI symptoms can settle on their own. They can also be treated with a course of antibiotics. Stay hydrated and aim to drink 1.5L of water per day. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol may also help.

Where can I test?

If you have urinary symptoms you can arrange an appointment with your GP or sexual health services. Some pharmacies can also offer assessment for urinary symptoms.

What do I need to look out for?

It is important to seek advice if:

• you are aged 15yrs and under, or over 65yrs
• you are having fevers or feeling hot and cold
• 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're a man, or are trans or non-binary and were assigned male at birth
• you are diabetic or have a condition which weakens the immune system
• your symptoms get worse quickly, or do not improve within 2 days of starting treatment or treating it yourself
• you keep getting UTIs (2 within 6 months, or 3 within 12 months)
• you have a catheter
• you are pregnant

Where can I read more about UTIs?

Please see our useful links page.

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