What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Definition and causes

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the organs that produce and carry urine: the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The great majority of cases are bacterial, and the most common pathogen is Escherichia coli, a bacterium naturally present in the gut.

Because the female urethra is short, infections are considerably more frequent in women; it is commonly accepted that one in two women experiences at least one UTI during her lifetime.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection are burning or stinging during urination, frequent urination in small amounts, sudden urgency, cloudy or unusually strong-smelling urine, and a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

Fever, chills, flank pain, nausea and vomiting suggest that the infection may have reached the kidneys; these symptoms require medical attention without delay.

Types

Infections are named after their location. Cystitis, limited to the bladder, is the most common form. Urethritis affects the urethra, while pyelonephritis involves the kidney tissue and is the most serious form.

Long-standing bladder pain and urinary frequency in the absence of any infection may point to a different condition, bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis); see our separate information page on this subject.

When to see a physician

Medical assessment is recommended in each of the following situations: accompanying fever or flank pain, visible blood in the urine, pregnancy, symptoms that do not improve within two to three days, three or more infections within a year, and every urinary tract infection in children and in men.

Prevention

The simplest measure with the strongest evidence is adequate fluid intake: drinking plenty of water increases urine flow and helps flush bacteria out of the bladder. Not delaying urination, wiping from front to back, and urinating after sexual intercourse are habits frequently recommended to people with recurrent infections.

Ingredients such as cranberry and D-mannose are widely used around the world to support urinary tract health, and research in this field is ongoing. Food supplements are intended to support nutrition and general wellbeing; anyone with a diagnosed infection should consult their physician before use. You may ask your pharmacist about products.

Principles of treatment

Bacterial urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, which are prescription-only medicines. The choice of active substance, dose and duration is made by the physician on the basis of symptoms, examination findings and, where needed, the urine culture. There is no single "best medicine" that suits everyone.

Using leftover antibiotics at home or requesting antibiotics without a prescription is not appropriate; incorrect antibiotic use both delays treatment and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Fluid intake may be increased to relieve symptoms; consult your pharmacist or physician about pain relief.

This page is intended as general health information; for diagnosis and treatment, please consult your physician.

Frequently asked questions

Does a urinary tract infection clear up on its own?

Mild bladder infections may resolve spontaneously in some people, but the correct approach is to consult a physician. Fever, flank pain, blood in the urine, pregnancy, or symptoms lasting beyond two to three days require assessment without delay.

Which medicine is best for a urinary tract infection?

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which are prescription-only. The appropriate substance, dose and duration are determined by your physician, guided by culture results and your personal situation. Using medicines without a prescription can promote resistance.

What are cranberry products used for?

Cranberry is an ingredient widely used to support urinary tract health; some studies have associated it with fewer recurrences. Anyone with a diagnosed infection should consult their physician before use; you may ask your pharmacist about products.

How much water should I drink?

As a general rule, enough to keep the urine light in colour; a good urine flow helps flush out bacteria. People on restricted fluid intake due to kidney or heart conditions should follow the advice of their physician.

Are cystitis and urinary tract infection the same thing?

Cystitis is the most common form of urinary tract infection and is limited to the bladder. The term urinary tract infection covers infections of the urethra, the bladder and the kidneys.

Aymed İlaç Sanayi manufactures authorised medicinal products in urology and nephrology. This page does not contain diagnostic or treatment advice; it is intended as general health information.