Body & health

Urinary tract infection

AlsoUTIcystitisbladder infectionurine infectionUTIswater infection

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most often the bladder, causing a burning feeling when urinating and needing to go often.

At a glance

  • A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary system, most often the bladder.
  • Typical symptoms are burning when urinating and needing to go often.
  • UTIs are much more common in people with a vulva because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus.
  • UTIs are not STIs, although some STIs cause similar symptoms.
  • Fever, back or side pain, shivering or blood in the urine need prompt medical advice.

In detail

UTIs are much more common in people with a vulva because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Sex can move bacteria towards the urethra, which is why some people get UTIs after sex; urinating afterwards may help. UTIs are not sexually transmitted infections, although some STIs cause similar symptoms.

Mild bladder infections sometimes clear on their own, but many need antibiotics. Fever, back or side pain, shivering, blood in the urine, or any UTI symptoms during pregnancy or in men need prompt medical advice, as the infection may have reached the kidneys.

In a sentence

  • She always pees after sex now because it seems to help prevent UTIs.
  • The GP took a urine sample to confirm the urinary tract infection.

Not to be confused with

Common questions

Why do some people get UTIs after sex?

Sex can move bacteria towards the urethra, especially in people with a vulva, whose urethra is short and close to the anus. Urinating afterwards may help. If UTIs keep coming back, a doctor can look at causes and options.

When is a UTI urgent?

Fever, back or side pain, shivering, blood in the urine, or any UTI symptoms during pregnancy or in men need prompt medical advice, because the infection may have reached the kidneys or need a different approach.

Is a UTI the same as an STI?

No. A UTI is not sexually transmitted, although some STIs, such as chlamydia, can cause similar burning symptoms. A sexual health clinic or doctor can test for both.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSUrinary tract infections (UTIs)
  2. Planned ParenthoodUrinary Tract Infections (UTI)