Urinary tract infection

Need to know

• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection icon plus

  UTIs affect men, women and children; however, women are at a greater risk of developing a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI can include:

  • a sudden urge to urinate
  • an urge to urinate more often than usual
  • a painful or burning sensation when urinating
  • pain in your penis or vagina

  Older people can also feel tired or unwell. This includes experiencing agitation, confusion and changes in mood. Children may feel unwell, wet themselves or avoid urinating if it stings.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your HCA UK GP will discuss your symptoms with you. They'll most likely ask you to give a urine sample, as this well help them to find out if you have a UTI. It will also help them to rule out other conditions. If you're a man, your GP may also offer to carry out a painless swab of the tip of your penis. It doesn't tend to hurt though it may feel a little uncomfortable.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  If your HCA UK GP thinks you have a UTI, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Symptoms usually clear up after five days in adults and two days in children. If you experience a severe or recurring UTI, your GP may refer you to one of our consultant urologists.