Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the bladder or urethra, but an infection can spread upward to the kidneys. A bladder infection is also called cystitis. Anyone can develop a urinary tract infection, although some people have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

  • Burning or pain when urinating (dysuria)
  • Urinating more often than usual (frequency)
  • A sudden or strong need to urinate (urgency)
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • Pressure or discomfort in the lower pelvis
  • Strong-smelling urine

Symptoms That May Indicate Kidney Involvement

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the back or side

Causes

What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the digestive tract, commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli). The bacteria can enter through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing a bladder infection, or travel upward toward the kidneys. This is the usual explanation for how to get a urine infection and does not mean that anything was done wrong.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for a Urinary Tract Infection

Risk factor typeExamples
Medical or nonmodifiableFemale anatomy, pregnancy, menopause, older age, urinary tract abnormalities, or a history of UTIs
Modifiable or situationalSexual activity, spermicide use, incomplete bladder emptying, dehydration, urinary catheters, or untreated constipation

Repeated bladder infection episodes may need evaluation for an underlying cause. This is especially important for children, men, pregnant people, and anyone with urinary blockage, kidney disease, or another condition that affects the urinary tract.

Complications

Urinary Tract Infection Complications

  • Recurrent infection
  • Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  • Kidney damage in severe or untreated cases
  • Bloodstream infection (sepsis)
  • Pregnancy-related complications, such as problems caused by an untreated infection

Seek prompt care

Possible kidney infection

Fever, chills, vomiting, or pain in the back or side can signal that an infection has reached the kidneys. Arrange prompt medical assessment rather than waiting for these symptoms to resolve on their own.

Diagnosis

How Is a Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a discussion of urinary tract infection symptoms, medical history, and an examination when needed. A clinician usually asks for a urine sample to look for signs of infection and to help guide treatment.

  • A urine dipstick test checks for chemical signs that may suggest infection.
  • Urinalysis examines the urine for white blood cells, blood, bacteria, and other changes.
  • A urine culture identifies bacteria and can help select an effective urinary tract infection medication.
  • Imaging or specialist evaluation may be recommended when infections are recurrent, severe, or linked to blockage.

Treatment & Management

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment and Management

Prescription Treatment for Uncomplicated and Complicated Infections

Clinicians may prescribe antibiotics based on the suspected location of the infection, the person’s health and risk factors, and urine test results. An uncomplicated bladder infection may be treated with oral antibiotics, while a kidney infection or severe illness may require intravenous antibiotics, monitoring, or hospitalization. Take treatment exactly as prescribed and ask a clinician if symptoms do not improve.

Treatment safety

Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics

Drinking fluids and using clinician-approved pain relief may improve comfort, but these measures do not replace evaluation or antibiotics when they are prescribed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or rely on home remedies to cure a urinary tract infection.

Prevention

How to Help Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection

  • Stay hydrated unless a clinician has told you to limit fluids.
  • Urinate when you need to rather than holding urine for long periods.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
  • Urinate after sex if this seems to reduce your risk.
  • Avoid products that irritate the genital area, such as scented douches or sprays.
  • Manage constipation because it can make complete bladder emptying more difficult.

People with recurrent UTIs should discuss individualized prevention options with a clinician. Do not start preventive antibiotics or supplements without medical guidance, because the best approach depends on the cause and pattern of infections.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook for a Urinary Tract Infection

Most uncomplicated UTIs improve after appropriate treatment. Symptoms that persist, return, or worsen may indicate resistant bacteria, an incorrect diagnosis, or kidney involvement and should be reassessed by a clinician. Kidney infections generally need closer follow-up than simple bladder infections.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Doctor for UTI Symptoms?

  • Seek medical advice for first-time urinary symptoms.
  • Arrange an evaluation if symptoms do not improve after treatment.
  • Discuss recurrent infections with a clinician.
  • Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant and have possible UTI symptoms.
  • Arrange medical advice for symptoms in a child or man.
  • Ask for evaluation if you have known kidney disease or a urinary tract problem.

Get urgent medical help

Symptoms that may indicate a serious infection

Seek urgent care for fever with back or side pain, vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of possible sepsis. These symptoms can indicate a kidney infection or a serious infection requiring rapid treatment.

Branches

1 topic

  • Urinary Tract Infection

    Urology

Symptoms

3 topics