Overview
A UTI occurs when bacteria, usually E. coli from the bowel, enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Women are affected far more often because of a shorter urethra.
Uncomplicated lower UTI (cystitis) is confined to the bladder. If infection travels to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) it causes fever, back pain and vomiting and needs urgent, longer treatment.
When to seek urgent medical help
- • Fever, shivering, back or flank pain, or vomiting - possible kidney infection needing urgent care
- • UTI symptoms during pregnancy
- • Visible blood in urine that persists after treatment, or symptoms in men that recur
Symptoms and signs
- Burning or stinging when passing urine
- Needing to pass urine frequently and urgently, often small amounts
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-stained urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure
- New confusion or general deterioration in older adults
- Feeling generally unwell without fever in simple cystitis
Management and treatment
Uncomplicated cystitis in women is treated with a 3-day antibiotic course chosen according to local resistance patterns. Men, pregnant women and people with recurrent infection need longer courses and closer follow-up.
Your ChatDoc doctor checks your symptom pattern against national prescribing guidance, excludes features of kidney infection and issues an appropriate antibiotic immediately, plus prevention advice if infections recur.
Prescription treatment options
Nitrofurantoin
First-line 3-day course for uncomplicated cystitis in women with good bladder concentration.
Trimethoprim or fosfomycin
Alternatives depending on allergy, pregnancy status and previous urine culture results.
Longer antibiotic course for men
Seven days of treatment reflecting the higher chance of prostate involvement.
Recurrence prevention
Hydration, post-intercourse measures, vaginal oestrogen after menopause and prophylactic options where indicated.
Any prescription is issued only after a doctor has reviewed your case and considers the treatment safe and appropriate for you.
Your online UTI assessment
- 1
Tell us about your concern
Share symptoms, past treatments, medicines and relevant health information.
- 2
Upload clear photos
Upload photos of your concern where applicable.
- 3
Doctor reviews your case
Technology helps organise your answers, but every assessment and prescription decision is made by a doctor, who may message you if they need more information.
- 4
Get your personalised plan
A personalised prescription is issued if treatment is clinically appropriate.
Prognosis and outlook
Symptoms usually improve within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics and resolve within 3-5 days. If there is no improvement after 48 hours a urine culture is needed.
Around a quarter of women experience a recurrence within six months, which is why prevention strategies form part of the consultation.
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This page is general medical information and does not replace a personal consultation. Always seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. ChatDoc is not an emergency service. Call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) for life-threatening emergencies or 111 for urgent non-emergency help. Do not wait for an online reply.