About urinary tract infectionsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them. Show
Anyone can get them, but they're particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs). UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics. This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children. This page covers: Symptoms When to get medical advice Treatment Causes Prevention Symptoms of UTIsInfections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:
Infections of the kidneys or ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder) are known as upper UTIs. These can cause the above symptoms and also:
Lower UTIs are common and aren't usually a cause for major concern. Upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as they could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream. UTI self-help guideComplete this guide to assess your symptoms and find out if you should visit your GP, pharmacist or treat your condition at home. Self-help guide: Urinary infection When to get medical adviceIt's a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:
Your GP can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine and can prescribe antibiotics if you do have an infection. Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they're allowed to spread. Treatment for UTIsUTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics. Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course. Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment. But make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better. Return to your GP if your symptoms don't improve, get worse or come back after treatment. Pharmacy First: UTI treatment from your local pharmacyWomen between 16 to 65 years with uncomplicated UTIs can seek advice and treatment directly from their pharmacist through the Pharmacy First scheme. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service directory. Pharmacies Causes of UTIsUTIs occur when the urinary tract becomes infected, usually by bacteria. In most cases, bacteria from the gut enter the urinary tract through the urethra. This may occur when wiping your bottom or having sex, for example, but often it's not clear why it happens. The following may increase your risk of getting a UTI:
Women may be more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man's and is closer to their anus (back passage). Preventing UTIsIf you get UTIs frequently, there are some things you can try that may stop it coming back. However, it's not clear how effective most of these measures are. These measures include:
Speak to your GP if these measures don't work. They may suggest taking a long-term course of antibiotics or they may give you a prescription for antibiotics you can use as soon as you experience symptoms of a UTI. There's currently little evidence to suggest that drinking cranberry juice or using probiotics significantly reduces your chances of getting UTIs. What happens if a UTI is left untreated for too long?When left untreated, the infection from a UTI can actually move throughout the body—becoming very serious and even life threatening. If you do not treat a bladder infection, it may turn into a kidney infection, which can then result in a more serious infection that's moved into the blood stream.
How long is too long to have a UTI?Generally, you should see a doctor if you begin to develop UTI symptoms that persist for longer than two to three days. Without treatment, a minor infection of the lower urinary tract could spread to your kidneys, putting you at risk for organ damage and serious blood infections.
How long does it take for a UTI to go away without antibiotics?How long will a UTI last without antibiotics? Many times a UTI will go away on its own. In fact, in several studies of women with UTI symptoms, 25% to 50% got better within a week — without antibiotics.
Can a UTI last for months?A persistent bladder infection can last for years in the form of a chronic urinary tract infection. For many females, the cycle of acute and symptom-free periods is never broken, and some move on to be diagnosed with the conditions mentioned above, such as Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS).
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