Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect your urinary tract, including your bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). UTIs may be treated with antibiotics, but they're not always needed. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include: Children with UTIs may also: In older, frail people who have problems with memory, learning and concentration (such as dementia), and people with a
urinary catheter, symptoms of a UTI may also include: Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and:
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it's not treated as it could cause sepsis. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Treatment from a GPIf a GP thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed. A GP may also:
It's important to take all the medicine you're prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Treatment from a GP for UTIs that keep coming backIf your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms. This may mean you have a long-term (chronic) UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments. Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over. Things you can do yourselfTo help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, there's no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started. A pharmacist can help with UTIsYou can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI. A pharmacist can:
Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed. Find a pharmacy Causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs)Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:
How to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)There are some things you can try to help prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) happening or prevent it returning. Do
Don’t
Other ways to prevent some UTIs coming backIf you keep getting a bladder infection (cystitis), there is some evidence it may be helpful to take:
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy. Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. If you're taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products. Page last reviewed: 22 March 2022 How does a man get s bladder infection?Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder. Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection.
What is the most common reason for bladder infection?Bacterial cystitis
UTIs typically occur when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a type of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection for men?Most bladder infections are treated with antibiotics. This is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection.. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). Fosfomycin (Monurol). Are bladder infections serious for men?This is because men have a longer urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder and out of the body. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause infection. Although urinary tract infections in men are not common, they can be serious.
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