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 do you get rid of a UTI without a doctor?Home remedies to get rid of a UTI without antibiotics. Try cranberries. ... . Drink plenty of water. ... . Pee when you need to. ... . Take probiotics. ... . Get more vitamin C. ... . Wear loose clothing. ... . Consider switching birth control. ... . Use a heating pad.. How can I treat UTI in men at home?Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs. ... . Increase vitamin C intake. Some evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs. ... . Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. ... . Take probiotics. ... . Practice healthy hygiene habits. ... . Try these natural supplements.. How can a male get rid of a UTI fast?Which antibiotic gets rid of a UTI fastest?. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a first-choice medication and can treat a UTI in as little as 3 days. ... . Nitrofurantoin is another first-choice option for UTIs, but you typically have to take it for a week to be sure you are all better.. What can a man take for a urinary tract infection?Medicines commonly used for simple UTI s include:. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Bactrim DS). Fosfomycin (Monurol). Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, Furadantin). Cephalexin.. Ceftriaxone.. |