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Quick answer
- Burning, urgency and cloudy pee are classic UTI signs.
- Peeing after sex and staying hydrated help prevent them.
- Fever, back pain or no improvement in 48 hours needs urgent care.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in your bladder, urethra or kidneys. Bladder infections (cystitis) are the most common kind, and people with a vulva get them more often because the tube from the bladder is shorter.
Symptoms
- Pain or burning when peeing
- Needing to pee often or urgently, including at night
- Cloudy, dark or smelly pee, or blood in it
- Lower tummy pain
- Feeling tired, shivery or feverish
Prevention habits
- Wipe from front to back
- Pee soon after sex
- Drink enough so your pee is pale
- Do not hold it in, and empty your bladder fully
- Wear cotton underwear and skip scented soaps
- Try non-spermicidal lube if spermicide seems to trigger UTIs
MythCranberry juice will cure a UTI.
The NHS says there is no evidence cranberry helps ease symptoms or treat an infection that has started. Some people use it to try to prevent repeat infections, but it can be sugary. Check with a pharmacist first if you take warfarin or other blood thinners.
If you keep getting UTIs, ask your GP about prevention. NICE says that after menopause, low-dose vaginal oestrogen can be considered for repeat UTIs when hygiene and behaviour changes are not enough.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.