Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common issue for women of all ages, but the causes and treatment can vary depending on your stage of life. If you’ve ever experienced the burning, urgency or discomfort of a UTI, you’ll know it’s not something to ignore.

Learn the symptoms, diagnosis, when to seek medical help, and treatment options – plus you can watch our short video below for expert advice on why you might be getting recurrent UTIs.

Symptoms of a UTI

UTI symptoms can develop quickly and may include:

• A burning or stinging feeling when you urinate
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Urgency – feeling like you can’t hold your bladder
• Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
• Cloudy, strong-smelling, or blood-tinged urine
• Pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen or back

If you also have a fever, chills, nausea, or pain in your side or upper back, this may indicate the infection has reached your kidneys – seek medical help straight away.

Causes and risk factors

• Before menopause:
  UTIs can sometimes be linked to anatomical differences, such as an extra kidney on one side or an abnormality in the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder). These might not be detected until you see a specialist.
  Becoming sexually active can also increase your risk, as bacteria from the bowel can enter the urinary tract during intercourse.
• After menopause:
  A lack of oestrogen can cause thinning and dryness of the tissues around the vagina and urethra, making them more prone to infection. This can often be improved with topical oestrogen cream or pessaries.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will usually confirm a UTI through:

• Urine sample (urinalysis): Checks for bacteria, white blood cells, and blood.
• Urine culture: Identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and guides antibiotic choice.
• Further investigations: If you have frequent UTIs or unusual symptoms, your doctor may arrange imaging (like ultrasound) or refer you to a specialist to check for underlying issues.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you:

• Have UTI symptoms for more than 24 hours
• Have recurrent UTIs (two or more in six months, or three or more in a year)
• Are pregnant
• Notice blood in your urine
• Have fever, chills, or back pain
• Have symptoms and an existing kidney, bladder, or immune condition

Treatment options

• Antibiotics: Usually prescribed for a few days for simple UTIs.
• Longer courses or preventative antibiotics: Sometimes needed for recurrent UTIs, especially those linked to sexual activity.
• Topical oestrogen: Helpful for postmenopausal women to restore vaginal and urethral health.
• Self-care measures:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out bacteria
  • Empty your bladder fully when you urinate
  • Avoid sexual intercourse with a full bladder
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
  • Urinate soon after sex to help clear bacteria

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