Urine infections

Infection of the lower urinary tract is common, especially in females where 50% of women are thought to experience at least one urine infection in their lifetime.1

Typical symptoms include increased need to pass urine, burning or stinging when urinating and lower abdominal pain.

Causes

Lower urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by bacteria (often E. Coli) that has come from the back passage and made its way up the urethra (the passageway urine exits the bladder through when having a wee).

Risk factors

Being female
Having diabetes
Having a catheter
Having a large prostate (in males)
Not emptying your bladder fully when you urinate

Typical Symptoms

Pain urinating
Urinating more frequently
Needing to urinate more urgently
Lower abdominal pain
Cloudy, bloody or smelly urine
Feeling generally unwell
Fever
Mild confusion (in older people)

Common Treatment

Antibiotics

When to speak to a doctor

Urine infections can often be initially managed via a digital consultation. If the GP decides you need a face to face appointment or to provide a urine sample, they will discuss what steps you can take next. To speak to one of our Babylon GPs, download the app and create an account today.

It is important to speak to a doctor urgently if you have:

Very acute confusion
Falls
Lots of blood in your urine
Severe pain
Inability to urinate

Prevention

Lower urinary tract infections can be managed and prevented by:

Urinating when you need to and fully emptying your bladder
Drinking plenty of fluids
Wiping from front to back after using the toilet

Urine infections