Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common and usually involve the bladder (cystitis). They can make you feel miserable: burning when you pass urine, needing to go more often, and lower tummy discomfort are typical, but the good news is that most people recover quickly with the right advice and, when needed, antibiotics. Kidney infections are less common but more serious and need prompt treatment.
What does a UTI feel like?
Many people notice a stinging sensation when they pee and the need to go more often, even if only small amounts come out. Urine can look cloudy, smell stronger than usual, or contain a trace of blood. You may feel generally under the weather. If the infection reaches the kidneys, fever, shivering and pain in the back or side are more likely and you can feel distinctly unwell.
Typical UTI symptoms (bladder):
- Burning or stinging when you pass urine
- Urgency and going more often than usual
- Lower tummy discomfort or pressure
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine, sometimes with blood
Possible kidney infection signs (seek same-day advice):
- Fever or shivers
- Pain in the back or side (flank pain)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling very unwell
UTIs don’t always look the same for everyone. In older adults, new confusion or sudden unsteadiness can be a clue when paired with urinary changes. Children may have fever, tummy pain, vomiting or poor feeding rather than classic “stinging” symptoms. Men sometimes get deep pelvic discomfort or symptoms that overlap with prostatitis. In pregnancy, even mild urinary symptoms matter and should be assessed promptly.
When is it urgent?
Most bladder infections can be managed the same day in primary care. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe back/side pain with fever, you’re becoming confused or very drowsy, you can’t keep fluids down, or you’re unwell with a UTI late in pregnancy or after a urology procedure. Inability to pass urine is also an emergency.
Who tends to get UTIs?
Anyone can. They’re more frequent after sexual activity, after the menopause (as natural oestrogen levels fall), and in people who struggle to empty the bladder fully. Catheters, kidney stones and prostate enlargement can raise risk. During pregnancy and in young children we treat UTIs more cautiously because of potential complications.
How we make the diagnosis
Your story is the single most important part. In clinic we’ll ask about symptom pattern, hydration, sexual health, medicines and any previous urinary problems. A quick urine dipstick can support the diagnosis. A mid-stream urine sample (MSU) sent to the lab is useful when symptoms are severe or unusual, when you’re pregnant, when infections keep recurring, in men and children, or if first-line treatment hasn’t helped. The culture identifies the bacteria and which antibiotics are likely to work.
Sometimes symptoms that feel like a UTI are caused by something else—vaginal thrush, irritation from soaps, dehydration, or a sexually transmitted infection. If that seems possible, we’ll discuss the right tests so we treat the real problem.
Treatment that’s sensible and safe
For straightforward cystitis, short antibiotic courses are usually effective and well tolerated. We choose carefully, guided by your circumstances and, where available, culture results. Kidney infections, UTIs in men, in pregnancy, or those linked to catheters often need different antibiotics or a longer course. Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you) can ease discomfort and fever. Aim for steady fluid intake—pale yellow urine is a good guide, and there’s no need to force litres.
We avoid antibiotics “just in case”. Unnecessary use can cause side effects and drive antimicrobial resistance. If you’re not improving within 48 hours—or you worsen at any point—please get back in touch promptly.
Quick self-care wins
- Don’t delay peeing; take a moment to empty the bladder fully
- Keep bowels regular—constipation can worsen bladder emptying
- Pass urine soon after sex
- Use gentle, fragrance-free washing around the genital area
- Choose breathable underwear (e.g., cotton)
- Consider D-mannose or cranberry if UTIs recur (they help some people but can interact with certain medicines—ask us first)
- For post-menopausal women, vaginal oestrogen can meaningfully reduce recurrences (prescription only)
Recurrent UTIs: what we do differently
If you’ve had two infections in six months or three in a year, it’s worth a fuller look. We’ll review bladder emptying, fluid habits, sexual health considerations and any urology history. Some people benefit from a tailored “self-start” plan to use at the first sign of clear, typical symptoms; others may need imaging or a urology referral. The aim is fewer infections, fewer antibiotics overall, and better quality of life.
UTI FAQs
1. Do all burning symptoms mean a UTI?
No. Irritation, thrush, dehydration and some STIs can mimic a UTI. A brief assessment and, if needed, a urine test will point us in the right direction.
2. Can you have a UTI without a fever?
Yes. Fever is more typical of a kidney infection. Many bladder infections cause no fever at all.
3. Should I drink loads of water to flush it out?
Drink regularly, but there’s no need to force very large volumes. Over-hydration won’t speed recovery and can be uncomfortable.
4. Do cranberry or D-mannose work?
They help some people with recurrent cystitis, but evidence is mixed. Check with us first if you take blood thinners or have diabetes.
5. When should children be seen?
Promptly. If a child has fever, vomiting, tummy or back pain, poor feeding, or unusually smelly/dark urine, arrange a same-day assessment.
Same-day UTI care at OneMedicine (Edgbaston, Birmingham)
If you’re worried about a UTI—stinging when you pass urine, going more often, lower tummy pressure—we can help today. At OneMedicine we offer calm, unhurried consultations, on-site dipstick testing and MSU when indicated, and thoughtful prescribing tailored to you.
✔ Same-day and next-day appointments
✔ Experienced doctors
✔ Conveniently located in Edgbaston
