How to prevent UTIs
- Wipe front to back when you go to the loo.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry.
- Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
- Wash the skin around your vagina with water before and after sex2.
- Quickly replace soiled nappies or incontinence pads.
- Avoid using scented soap.
- Don’t hold your urine in if you need to go.
- Take your time to fully empty your bladder when urinating.
- Avoid tight, synthetic underwear, such as nylon.
- Avoid lots of sugary food and drinks, as they may encourage bacteria to grow.
- Avoid condoms or a diaphragm or cap with spermicidal lube on them. Try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception.
- Evidence suggests5 probiotics (beneficial bacteria – particularly the Lactobacillus group) can help prevent recurrent UTIs in women by keeping the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria. However further research is needed into this.
Practicing good hygiene habits, alongside regular urination and hydration, can significantly reduce the risk of developing UTIs. If UTIs keep happening to you and are becoming a concern, speak to a healthcare professional for further assessment and guidance.
UTIs and cystitis: What’s the difference?
‘Urinary tract infection’ is a broad term that refers to infections occurring anywhere in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters (tubes which transport urine from the kidney to the bladder), bladder, and urethra.
Cystitis is a specific type of UTI – an inflammation that occurs only in the bladder, which can result from infectious or non-infectious causes.
Did you know? A pharmacist can help with UTIs and cystitis.
You can speak to a pharmacist about treatments. They can:
- Offer advice on things that can help you get better.
- Suggest the best painkiller to take.
- Provide the same UTI treatment as a GP, if it's suitable for you. Some pharmacies offer a cystitis management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they're needed6.
- Tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms2.
Find a pharmacy here.
Important: Potential complications
If left untreated, a UTI can spread through your urinary tract to your kidneys (pyelonephritis) and cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection.
How do I know if my UTI has developed into a kidney infection?
You may notice a change or worsening in symptoms such as:
- Pain location: While cystitis typically causes pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, a kidney infection often results in pain in the back, sides, or groin.
- Fever and chills: Developing a high fever, chills, or sweating can be a sign of a kidney infection.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseated or experiencing vomiting can indicate the infection has spread to the kidneys.
- Severe pain: The pain associated with kidney infections is often more severe and persistent than that of cystitis.
- Fatigue: Increased tiredness or feeling unusually weak.
- Changes in urine: While cystitis can lead to painful urination, a kidney infection may cause your urine to become cloudy, have a strong odour, or contain blood.
If you suspect that your UTI has developed into a kidney infection, it's important to seek urgent medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is urosepsis?
Urosepsis is a serious condition where a UTI spreads to the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation. It requires immediate medical treatment and can be fatal if not treated properly7.
Common signs of urosepsis:
- High fever or low body temperature.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
- Confusion or altered mental state.
- Extreme pain or discomfort, often in the lower back or abdomen.
- Decreased urine output.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Chills or shivering.
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
- A general feeling of being unwell8.
If you suspect urosepsis, it's crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately, as it can rapidly become life-threatening.
Please note: While the basic treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics for both men and women, the approach can differ slightly for men due to anatomical differences and potential underlying causes. Men may require a longer course of antibiotics compared to women, and healthcare providers often investigate further to rule out complications such as prostate issues or urinary tract obstructions.
Read more: Urinary tract infections in men.
Also, the treatment of UTIs in children can differ from that in adults, primarily in terms of antibiotic selection and dosage. If you’re concerned about anything, contact a medical professional as soon as possible for assessment and treatment.
It's important for anyone experiencing symptoms of a UTI to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. UTIs can lead to various complications if not properly treated. If you’re showing signs of a kidney infection or urosepsis, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Discover more information on other important women’s health topics here.
References
- An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections – National Library of Medicine
- Urinary tract infections – NHS
- Antibiotics for UTI treatment – WebMD
- Bladder infection vs. UTI: How to tell which one you have – Healthline
- Probiotics for prevention of recurrent tracts infections in women – National Library of Medicine
- Cystitis – NHS
- What is urosepsis? – WebMD
- Urinary tract infections – The Urology Foundation