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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Burning when you urinate? Learn the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, why heat and dehydration raise the risk in the UAE, and when to see a doctor.
Quick answer
A urinary tract infection usually causes burning or pain when passing urine, needing to go often and urgently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Most bladder infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics after a urine test. See a doctor the same day if you have fever, back or side pain, vomiting, blood in the urine, or if you are pregnant, male or a child.
In this article
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections seen in general practice, especially in women. Hot weather and not drinking enough water make them more likely.
Symptoms of a UTI
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently, sometimes passing only small amounts
- Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
- Pain low in the tummy
- Blood in the urine
Signs the infection may have reached the kidneys: fever and shivering, pain in the back or side under the ribs, feeling sick or vomiting. This needs prompt medical care.
Who gets UTIs?
Women get UTIs far more often than men because the urethra is shorter. The risk is higher with:
- Not drinking enough fluids, which is easy to do in the UAE heat
- Sexual activity
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Diabetes
- Kidney stones or anything that blocks urine flow
- A urinary catheter
How UTIs are diagnosed and treated
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and usually test a urine sample. Uncomplicated bladder infections in women are commonly treated with a short course of antibiotics. Men, pregnant women, children and anyone with kidney symptoms need closer assessment and sometimes a longer course.
Always finish the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better.
Prevention tips
- Drink enough water so your urine stays pale yellow, especially in summer.
- Don't hold in urine for long periods.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Urinate soon after sex.
- Avoid perfumed soaps and douches around the genital area.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if you have UTI symptoms, particularly if:
- You are male, pregnant, or the patient is a child
- Symptoms don't improve within two days of treatment
- You get UTIs repeatedly
- There is blood in your urine
Seek urgent care for high fever, back pain with vomiting, or confusion, especially in older adults.
Frequently asked questions
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Some mild bladder infections in women clear without antibiotics, but symptoms can last longer and the infection can spread. It is safest to get checked, especially if symptoms are severe.
Does cranberry juice cure a UTI?
There is no good evidence that cranberry products treat an active UTI. Drinking water is more helpful.
Can men get UTIs?
Yes, although less often. A UTI in a man always needs a medical assessment.
