UTI in women: symptoms, causes and how to prevent it

In short: A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when germs, usually from the bowel, get into the urinary tract. Common symptoms in women are burning while passing urine, needing to go often and urgently, lower tummy pain, and cloudy, smelly or blood-stained urine. A doctor can confirm it with a simple urine test and treat it easily. See a doctor soon if you have symptoms, and the same day if you have fever or back pain.

That burning feeling when you pass urine is something almost every woman knows at some point. It can make you dread going to the toilet, and it is easy to feel embarrassed about it.

There is nothing to be shy about. UTIs are one of the most common infections in women, and they are easy to treat when caught early. Here is how to spot one and what helps.

What is a UTI?

Your urinary tract includes the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine down (ureters), the bladder and the urethra, the short tube through which urine leaves your body.

Most UTIs in women are bladder infections, also called cystitis. If an infection travels upwards to the kidneys, it becomes more serious and needs prompt care.

UTI in women: symptoms to look out for

You may notice:

• Burning or stinging when passing urine
• Needing to pass urine often, even when little comes out
• A sudden, urgent need to go
• Pain or pressure in the lower tummy, just above the pubic bone
• Urine that looks cloudy or smells strong
• Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red or brown
• Feeling generally unwell or tired

Burning urine together with lower tummy pain is a classic sign of a bladder infection. Signs that the infection may have reached the kidneys are fever, chills, pain in the back or side, nausea and vomiting.

Why do women get UTIs more than men?

It comes down to body shape. A woman's urethra is much shorter than a man's, and it opens close to the vagina and anus. This makes it easier for germs from the bowel to reach the bladder.

Things that can make a UTI more likely:

• Sex, which can push germs towards the urethra
• Holding in urine for long periods
• Not drinking enough water, especially in hot weather
• Wiping from back to front after using the toilet
• Pregnancy, because of changes in the urinary tract
• Menopause, when lower oestrogen changes the tissues around the urethra
• Diabetes, or anything that stops the bladder emptying fully
• Using a soiled pad for too long, or harsh soaps and sprays in the vaginal area

Can a UTI cause blood in urine?

Yes. A bladder infection can irritate the lining of the bladder enough to cause a little bleeding, so your urine may look pink or red. This is common with a UTI, but it should always be checked by a doctor, because blood in the urine can have other causes such as kidney stones.

If you are on your period, it may be hard to tell where the blood is coming from. Mention this to the doctor when you give a urine sample.

What helps at home

These steps can ease discomfort and help prevent another infection. They do not replace seeing a doctor if you have symptoms.

• Drink plenty of water through the day
• Do not hold in urine; go when you feel the need
• Pass urine soon after sex
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Change pads every few hours during your period
• Wash the outer area with plain water, and avoid scented soaps, sprays and douching
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothes
• Use a hot water bottle on your lower tummy for comfort

If you are past menopause and getting repeated infections, our article on why UTIs are more common after menopause explains what changes and what can help.

How a doctor finds the cause

A UTI is usually confirmed with a simple urine test. Sometimes the urine is sent for a culture, which shows exactly which germ is causing the infection and what will treat it best. If you keep getting infections, your doctor may also suggest an ultrasound or other tests to look for an underlying cause.

Most UTIs clear up quickly once a doctor treats them. Please do not use leftover treatment from a past infection or from someone else, because the wrong treatment can let the infection linger or come back.

Sometimes burning and itching are caused by a vaginal infection rather than a UTI, especially if you also have unusual discharge. Our guide on white discharge can help you tell the difference.

When to see a gynaecologist

See a doctor soon if:

• You have burning, frequent urination or lower tummy pain
• You have blood in your urine
• Symptoms do not improve within a day or two
• You get UTIs again and again
• You have symptoms after menopause

Go to a doctor the same day if:

• You have fever, chills or shivering
• You have pain in your back or side, below the ribs
• You are vomiting or cannot keep fluids down
• You are pregnant and have any UTI symptoms
• You feel confused, very weak or faint

Questions women ask

What does a UTI in women feel like?

Most women describe a burning or stinging feeling while passing urine, a constant urge to go even when the bladder is nearly empty, and a dull ache low in the tummy. The urine may look cloudy or smell stronger than usual.

Why do I keep getting UTIs?

Repeated UTIs can be linked to sex, not drinking enough water, holding in urine, menopause, diabetes or the bladder not emptying fully. If you have had several infections, a gynaecologist can look for the reason and suggest ways to prevent them.

Can a UTI happen after menopause?

Yes, UTIs become more common after menopause. Lower oestrogen makes the tissues around the urethra thinner and changes the healthy balance of germs in the area. A doctor can suggest ways to reduce repeat infections.

Is a UTI dangerous in pregnancy?

A UTI in pregnancy always needs a doctor, even if the symptoms are mild. Left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys and may affect the pregnancy. Your doctor will choose a treatment that is safe for you and your baby.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

A mild bladder infection sometimes settles by itself, but it can also spread to the kidneys. It is safest to see a doctor, get a urine test and get the right treatment, especially if you have fever, back pain or blood in your urine.