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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary system. It is easily treated but can become serious if it reaches the kidneys.
Causes & risk factors
- Bacteria (often from the gut) entering the urinary tract
- More common in women due to anatomy
- Holding urine for long periods
- Dehydration
- Catheters, pregnancy or diabetes increase risk
Common symptoms
- Burning or pain when passing urine
- Needing to pass urine often
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
Tests & diagnosis
- Urine dipstick test
- Urine culture
- Full blood count (if severe)
- Kidney function if kidneys involved
Treatment & management
- Antibiotics as prescribed
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Pain relief for discomfort
- Completing the full antibiotic course
- Good hydration and hygiene to prevent recurrence
When to see a doctor urgently
- Fever with back/flank pain and vomiting — urgent (possible kidney infection)
- Blood in the urine or symptoms not settling
- UTI in pregnancy, men, children or with diabetes
- Repeated infections needing investigation
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about urinary tract infection (uti). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat a UTI without antibiotics?
Mild ones sometimes settle with fluids, but most need antibiotics to clear fully and prevent the infection spreading to the kidneys.
Why do I keep getting UTIs?
Frequent UTIs can relate to hydration, hygiene, hormones or other conditions. Recurrent infections should be reviewed by a doctor.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.