Urinary tract infections: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and often easy to treat if caught early. Most start in the bladder and cause burning when you pee, a strong urge to go, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes low belly pain. Fever, chills, or side (flank) pain suggest the infection may have reached the kidneys and needs faster care.

UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Women get them more often because their urethra is shorter. Other risks include sex, certain birth control methods, a urinary catheter, diabetes, and a history of UTIs. Older adults and pregnant people need extra attention because complications are more likely.

How UTIs are diagnosed and treated

Your doctor will usually ask about symptoms and test a urine sample. A quick urinalysis can show infection signs; a urine culture finds the exact bacteria and the best antibiotic. For simple bladder infections, common antibiotics include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin. Which one is right depends on allergy history, local resistance patterns, pregnancy status, and recent antibiotic use.

Never skip the full antibiotic course your doctor prescribes. Stopping early can leave bacteria behind and cause a return or resistance. If symptoms are severe — high fever, nausea, vomiting, or back pain — get medical help right away; you may need IV antibiotics or hospital care.

Practical prevention tips that work

Small daily habits cut UTI risk. Drink enough water so your urine is pale; regular urination flushes bacteria. Urinate after sex and avoid holding it for long periods. Wipe front to back to reduce bacteria moving from the bowel to the urethra. If you’re prone to UTIs, consider switching spermicides or certain diaphragms with your provider, because they can raise risk.

Cranberry products may help some people reduce recurrence, but evidence is mixed. If you try cranberry, choose a product with a known amount of active ingredients rather than sugary juice. Over-the-counter pain relief like phenazopyridine can ease burning for a day or two, but it doesn’t treat the infection itself and can color urine bright orange — check with a pharmacist first.

For frequent UTIs, doctors may suggest low-dose antibiotics for a short period, self-start therapy after testing, or checking for underlying issues like stones or anatomical problems. Postmenopausal women sometimes benefit from topical vaginal estrogen to lower risk.

If you suspect a UTI, get tested rather than guessing. Quick treatment prevents complications and gets you back to normal faster. When in doubt — visible blood in urine, fever, severe pain, or pregnancy — seek care immediately.