# UTIs: burning questions answered

> Why it stings when you pee, and when it needs more than water.

Category: Conditions · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/uti

## 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/uti)) is an infection anywhere in your bladder, urethra or kidneys. Bladder infections (cystitis) are the most common kind, and people with a [vulva](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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

**Myth:** Cranberry juice will cure a UTI.

**Fact:** 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](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) about prevention. NICE says that after [menopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/menopause), low-dose vaginal [oestrogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/oestrogen) can be considered for repeat UTIs when hygiene and behaviour changes are not enough.

> **Splash says:** in England, a pharmacist can help with UTI symptoms if you are a woman or girl aged 16 to 64 and not pregnant or breastfeeding. Quick, no appointment needed.

### When to see a doctor

Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have a high or low temperature or shivering, pain in your back just under the ribs, blood in your pee, symptoms that are not improving within 48 hours, you are pregnant, or you get UTIs repeatedly. These can signal a kidney infection. Call 999 if someone is confused, drowsy or struggling to speak.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Urinary tract infections (UTIs)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/)
2. [ACOG: Urinary tract infections](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/urinary-tract-infections)
3. [NICE NG112: Urinary tract infection (recurrent): antimicrobial prescribing](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng112)

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).