Urinary
Urinary tract infection
Also known as: Bladder infection, UTI, Cystitis
Urinary tract infection condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
A UTI happens when bacteria, often from the gut, enter the urine and affect the bladder or nearby parts. Women have higher risk because of anatomy. Prompt care helps stop infection from reaching the kidneys.
Symptoms
- Burning or stinging when urinating
- Needing to urinate often
- Strong-smelling or cloudy urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Fever if infection spreads
- Blood-tinged urine
Causes
Bacteria such as E. coli enter through the urethra. Holding urine for long periods, sexual activity, or pregnancy can raise risk.
Treatment (general information)
A clinic may prescribe antibiotics after assessment, sometimes with a urine test. Drinking fluids helps. Finish all medicine even if you feel better early.
Prevention
Drink enough water, urinate after sex, wipe front to back after toilet use, and do not hold urine for long periods.
When to see a doctor
Seek care for fever, back pain, vomiting, or UTI symptoms in a child, pregnant person, or someone with diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a UTI clear without medicine?
- Some mild infections ease, but kidney spread remains a risk. Clinical advice is safer.
- Is it a sexually transmitted infection?
- A UTI is not an STI, though sex can raise risk. Some STIs cause similar symptoms, so testing helps.