UTI symptoms commonly include pain or burning when passing urine, needing to urinate more often, sudden urgency and cloudy urine. Some people also experience lower abdominal discomfort, blood in their urine or feel generally unwell.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect different parts of the urinary system. Most uncomplicated infections involve the bladder or urethra, but an infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys. Fever, shivering, pain in your back or side, nausea or vomiting may indicate a kidney infection and should be assessed promptly.
Symptoms alone cannot always confirm a UTI. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), kidney stones, vaginal conditions and other urinary problems can cause similar symptoms. This guide explains the main signs of a UTI, common causes, how symptoms can differ between women and men, and when to seek medical advice.
Common signs of a UTI include:
- Burning, stinging or pain when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- A sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Getting up more frequently during the night
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal or bladder discomfort
- Pain in the back or side beneath the ribs
- Feeling hot, cold or shivery
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
Strong-smelling or dark urine can sometimes occur, although if this is your only symptom, dehydration may be responsible rather than infection.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection is an infection affecting part of the system responsible for producing, storing and passing urine.
The urinary tract includes:
- Kidneys, which filter the blood and produce urine
- Ureters, which carry urine to the bladder
- Bladder, where urine is stored
- Urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body
A UTI affecting the bladder is commonly called cystitis or a bladder infection. An infection involving the kidneys is known as a kidney infection or pyelonephritis.
This distinction is important because infections affecting the kidneys can be more serious than uncomplicated lower UTIs.
What are the most common UTI symptoms in women?
UTIs are particularly common in women because the female urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
UKHSA guidance for women under 65 highlights three particularly useful symptoms when assessing a possible UTI:
- Pain or burning when urinating, known as dysuria
- New or increased urination during the night, known as nocturia
- Visibly cloudy urine
Having two or more of these symptoms makes a UTI more likely, although symptoms cannot provide a definite diagnosis on their own.
Other UTI symptoms women may experience include urgency, frequent urination, lower abdominal discomfort and blood in the urine.
Women experiencing recurring urinary problems can also discuss them as part of women’s health care at Broadgate GP, including recurrent cystitis and urinary symptoms.
What are male UTI symptoms?
Male UTI symptoms are broadly similar and can include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Back or side pain
- Fever or shivering
Men can also experience similar urinary symptoms because of prostate problems, urethritis or sexually transmitted infections.
UTIs are less common in men. NHS guidance advises men who suspect they have a UTI to seek urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 rather than relying solely on self-treatment.
Changes to urinary flow, difficulty emptying the bladder or recurrent infections may also require further investigation.
UTI vs bladder infection: what’s the difference?
The key difference is that a bladder infection is one type of UTI.
“UTI” describes an infection occurring anywhere within the urinary tract, while a bladder infection specifically affects the bladder and is often called cystitis.
| Condition | Where it affects | Common symptoms |
| Lower UTI / cystitis | Bladder or urethra | Burning, frequency, urgency, cloudy urine, lower abdominal discomfort |
| Kidney infection | One or both kidneys | Fever, shivering, back or side pain, nausea or vomiting |
| Urethritis | Urethra | Burning when urinating, sometimes discharge or irritation |
| Kidney stones | Kidney or ureter | Severe side or groin pain, sometimes blood in the urine |
| Vaginal or sexual health condition | Genital or reproductive tract | Discharge, irritation, itching or urinary discomfort |
Because several conditions can overlap, symptoms should not be used to make a definite diagnosis without considering other possible causes.
What causes a UTI?
Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin multiplying.
The NHS explains that bacteria from the bowel are a common cause of UTIs.
Factors that may increase your risk include:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Kidney stones or another urinary blockage
- Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
- An enlarged prostate
- Having a urinary catheter
- A weakened immune system
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Contraception containing spermicide
- Not drinking enough fluid
However, a UTI can also develop without an obvious risk factor.
Can sex cause a UTI?
Sexual activity can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI, but a UTI is not normally classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
Sex can move bacteria towards the urethral opening, increasing the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Sexual intercourse and having a new sexual partner are also recognised risk factors for recurrent UTIs in some younger and pre-menopausal women.
However, burning when urinating after sex does not necessarily mean you have a UTI.
Urethritis and some STIs can cause similar symptoms. Vaginal or penile discharge, genital sores, unusual bleeding or symptoms following a potential sexual exposure may warrant sexual health assessment.
Broadgate GP provides confidential sexual health testing and advice where an STI or another genital condition may need to be considered.
How long does a UTI last?
There is no single amount of time that every UTI will last.
Some uncomplicated lower UTIs may improve without antibiotics, while others require treatment. This depends on factors including your symptoms, age, sex, pregnancy status, medical history and whether there are signs of a more serious infection.
For some uncomplicated infections, a healthcare professional may advise self-care or waiting for up to 48 hours to see whether symptoms improve.
However, seek further medical advice if symptoms worsen quickly or have not started improving within around 48 hours of treatment or self-care.
Do not continue waiting if you develop fever, shivering, significant back or side pain, vomiting or feel increasingly unwell.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Some uncomplicated UTIs can improve without antibiotics, but you should not assume every infection will disappear without treatment.
Medical advice is particularly important if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are male
- Are aged 65 or over
- Are aged 15 or younger
- Have diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have a urinary catheter
- Experience recurrent UTIs
- Have blood in your urine
- Have pain in your back or beneath your ribs
- Develop a high or unusually low temperature
- Feel hot, cold or shivery
These circumstances may increase the risk of complications or indicate another condition that needs assessment.
What are recurrent UTIs?
A recurrent UTI is generally defined as:
- Two or more UTIs within six months, or
- Three or more UTIs within 12 months
This definition is used in NICE guidance on recurrent urinary tract infections.
Repeated symptoms do not necessarily mean the same infection has returned. Some episodes may involve a new infection, while UTI-like symptoms can occasionally have another cause.
A GP may review previous infections, urine results, possible triggers and your medical history before deciding whether further investigation is appropriate.
Could UTI symptoms be caused by something else?
Yes. Several conditions can produce symptoms similar to a UTI.
These include:
- Urethritis
- Chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- Vaginal irritation or infection
- Kidney stones
- Genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause
- Prostate conditions
- Other bladder or urinary disorders
Vaginal or penile discharge, genital irritation or symptoms associated with a new sexual partner may make another cause more likely.
If urinary symptoms repeatedly return but testing does not confirm a typical UTI, further assessment may be useful rather than repeatedly assuming cystitis is responsible.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will usually begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history.
A urine test may be carried out, although it is not always necessary for every uncomplicated UTI.
Testing may be more useful when:
- Symptoms are unusual
- UTIs keep recurring
- You are pregnant
- You are male
- A complicated infection is suspected
- Previous treatment has not worked
- The diagnosis is uncertain
Broadgate GP’s private GP services in London include assessment of urinary symptoms, with testing or treatment recommended where clinically appropriate.
What can you do while you have UTI symptoms?
For an uncomplicated UTI, self-care may include:
- Resting
- Drinking enough fluid to regularly pass pale urine
- Taking paracetamol for pain or fever if it is normally safe for you
- Limiting drinks that may irritate the bladder, including alcohol and coffee
Cranberry products and cystitis sachets are sometimes used for urinary symptoms, but evidence is limited and they should not be relied upon to treat an established bacterial infection.
When should you see a GP about UTI symptoms?
Seek medical advice if your symptoms are persistent, worsening or you are at increased risk of complications.
Contact a GP or NHS 111 promptly if you develop:
- Fever or shivering
- Pain in your back or side beneath the ribs
- Blood in your urine
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Symptoms that have not improved within around 48 hours
- Repeated UTIs
Back or side pain together with fever, nausea, vomiting or shivering may indicate that an infection has reached the kidneys.
Call 999 or attend A&E if someone becomes confused, very drowsy or has difficulty speaking alongside a suspected UTI, as this can indicate serious illness.
For non-emergency urinary symptoms, you can also contact Broadgate GP to arrange an appointment. Consultations take place at 65 London Wall, London, EC2M 5TU, close to Liverpool Street.
Understanding UTI symptoms
UTI symptoms such as burning when urinating, urinary frequency, urgency and cloudy urine are common, but symptoms alone cannot provide a definite diagnosis.
A bladder infection is one type of UTI, while infections affecting the kidneys can cause more significant symptoms including fever, back pain, shivering, nausea or vomiting.
Some uncomplicated UTIs may improve without antibiotics. However, recurrent UTIs, male UTI symptoms, pregnancy, fever, back pain or worsening illness should be assessed rather than simply waiting for symptoms to pass.
If you are unsure whether symptoms are caused by a UTI, STI or another urinary condition, a healthcare professional can help establish the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of a UTI?
Early signs commonly include burning or discomfort when passing urine, needing to urinate more frequently and experiencing sudden urgency. Cloudy urine and lower abdominal discomfort may also occur.
Can a UTI cause blood in your urine?
Yes. Blood in the urine can occur with a UTI, but it has several possible causes and should be medically assessed rather than automatically attributed to an infection.
Can a UTI cause back pain?
Yes, but the location matters. Pain in your back or side beneath the ribs, particularly with fever, shivering, nausea or vomiting, can indicate a kidney infection and requires prompt medical advice.
Are UTIs sexually transmitted?
No. UTIs are not normally classified as STIs, although sexual activity can increase the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Some STIs can cause similar urinary symptoms.
Can men get UTIs?
Yes. Men can develop UTIs and may experience burning when urinating, frequency, urgency or cloudy urine. Because UTIs are less common in men, NHS guidance recommends seeking medical advice if one is suspected.
Do you always need a urine test for a UTI?
No. A urine test is not always necessary for a straightforward UTI. Testing is more likely when symptoms are unusual or recurrent, the diagnosis is uncertain or there is an increased risk of complications.
Why do I keep getting UTIs?
Recurrent UTIs can be associated with factors including sexual activity, menopause, difficulty completely emptying the bladder and urinary abnormalities. Recurrent infection is generally defined as two UTIs within six months or three within 12 months and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
