Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria irritate the bladder or urinary system. This can lead to pain when passing urine, needing to go more often or discomfort in the lower tummy or back. UTIs are common, especially in women, and symptoms can range from mild irritation to more persistent discomfort.

These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.

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What a UTI Is

A UTI happens when bacteria enter and irritate the bladder or urinary tract. The most common areas affected include:

The bladder (cystitis)
The urethra (urethritis)
The kidneys (less common, and usually linked with more severe symptoms)

The most common organism associated with UTIs is E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the gut. Most UTIs are simple and improve with treatment and hydration.d most cases improve without treatment.

Organism	Notes
E. coli	The most common cause of simple bladder infections. Often linked to natural bacteria from the gut.
Klebsiella species	Occasionally found in UTIs. More common in people with certain health conditions.
Proteus species	Can cause irritation or strong-smelling urine. Sometimes linked with recurrent infections.
Enterococcus	Less common cause. May appear in people with long-term urinary symptoms.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus	Occasionally affects younger adults. Can cause similar symptoms to other UTIs.

Common Symptoms of a UTI

You may experience:

Burning or stinging when passing urine
Needing to pass urine more often
Passing small amounts more frequently
Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
Lower tummy or pelvic discomfort
Feeling suddenly and urgently need to urinate
Mild back discomfort
Feeling generally unwell

Not all symptoms mean infection, and symptoms can overlap with other causes of urinary discomfort. Urinary tract infections can affect men and women.

Common Reasons to Have a UTI Reviewed by a GP

Speak to a GP if you have:

Your symptoms last more than 24 to 48 hours
You have recurrent UTIs
Symptoms keep returning soon after treatment
There is blood in your urine
You have new back or side pain
You have pelvic discomfort that is not improving
You are pregnant and have urinary symptoms
You have diabetes or long-term health conditions
You have a catheter or have recently had a procedure affecting your urethra

A GP can assess symptoms, arrange a urine dipstick or culture if needed and advise on safe treatment options.

Severe Symptoms – Seek Urgent Help

Seek urgent medical care if you develop:

Fever or shaking chills
Severe back or side pain
Confusion, drowsiness or feeling very unwell
Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Symptoms of dehydration
Severe lower tummy pain
Very high temperature or rigors
Any symptoms that worsen quickly

These signs may indicate a more serious infection that needs urgent assessment.

Understanding Typical Symptom Patterns

Simple lower UTI (common pattern)

burning or stinging when passing urine
needing to go more often
cloudy or strong-smelling urine
mild lower tummy discomfort

These symptoms usually improve gradually over time.

Symptoms that may need a GP review

symptoms lasting longer than expected
urinary symptoms with back pain
blood in urine
recurrent UTIs
symptoms after recent treatment
urinary symptoms in men, children or pregnancy

A GP can guide you on treatment or further assessment if needed.

Bacterial Causes and When Antibiotics May Be Considered

The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria such as E. coli, which can irritate the bladder lining.

Antibiotics may be considered when:

symptoms are significant or persistent
dipstick or culture tests support infection
symptoms are affecting daily activities
there is fever or flank discomfort
you are in a group where early treatment is recommended (for example pregnancy, diabetes or recurrent infections)

Not all urinary symptoms are caused by infection, and antibiotics are not always required. A GP will assess your symptoms, medical history and test results (if needed) before advising treatment.