Home / Conditions / UTI
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections can affect any part of the urinary tract system including your bladder, urethra and kidneys. UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics, though they’re not always necessary.
Women are more likely to develop a UTI than men due to having a shorter urethra, which means bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Women are more likely to develop a UTI than men due to having a shorter urethra, which means bacteria is more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
You might have a UTI if you have:
Pain or a burning sensation when you wee
Need to wee more often than usual
A high temperature (more than 38c) or a low temperature (below 36c)
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from the gut (poo) entering the urinary tract.
This can happen when wiping after the toilet, or having sex.
To lower your risk of developing a UTI, you should keep your genitals as clean and dry as possible.
This can happen when wiping after the toilet, or having sex.
To lower your risk of developing a UTI, you should keep your genitals as clean and dry as possible.
- Pain or burning sensation when you wee
- Needing to wee more often than usual
- Cloudy wee
- Blood in your wee
- A high temperature (fever) of 38c or more
- A low temperature of 36c or below
- A pain in your lower tummy or back
- Drink plenty of water
- Take low strength painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Avoid having sex until the UTI has cleared
Some articles you may find helpful:
Does it hurt when you pee?
Don’t wait for a GP appointment.
Get advice & prescriptions from a trusted pharmacy now:
Get advice & prescriptions from a trusted pharmacy now:
Complete an easy online questionnaire
Book a free video consultation with a pharmacist
Get medicines delivered to your door
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is a new NHS-funded scheme that helps you quickly get the advice & treatment you need from a pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
The conditions covered by Pharmacy First are:
Video consultations & advice are free of charge. If you pay for prescriptions you will be charged the prescription rate of £9.65 per prescription item.