Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Common signs of a bladder infection and simple ways to help prevent it.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If you are pregnant and have signs of a UTI, see a health worker quickly.
- Fever or shivering, pain in the back under the ribs, or blood in your urine.
- Symptoms that get worse quickly or keep coming back.
- Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty speaking: go to a health facility immediately.
Key things to remember
- Wipe from front to back.
- Drink plenty of water and do not hold in urine.
- Pass urine soon after sex.
📖 Read the full lesson
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, urethra or kidneys, usually caused by bacteria from the bowel. Women get UTIs more easily than men because their urethra is shorter.
Signs include pain or burning when passing urine, needing to pass urine more often or more urgently, cloudy or bloody urine, lower tummy pain or pain in the back just under the ribs, fever or shivering, and feeling tired or weak.
Rest and drinking enough fluids can help. To help prevent UTIs: wipe from front to back after using the toilet, keep the area clean and dry, drink plenty of water, pass urine soon after sex, wear cotton underwear, do not hold in urine, and avoid scented soaps in the genital area.
A kidney infection can be serious if it is not treated.
📚 Sources
- NHS (UK) — Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Last reviewed 11 Jul 2025 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-022 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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