Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in women. About half of all women will have at least one in their lifetime, and some get them again and again. Hot weather and not drinking enough water, both common in Pakistan, make them more likely.

Why women get UTIs more often

Most UTIs happen when bacteria from the bowel, usually E. coli, enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. Women have a shorter urethra than men, so bacteria reach the bladder more easily. Pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, holding urine for long periods and dehydration all raise the risk.

Symptoms of a bladder infection (cystitis)

• Burning or pain while passing urine
• Needing to pass urine often and urgently, but only a little comes out
• Pain or pressure in the lower stomach
• Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
• Sometimes blood in the urine

Signs it may be a kidney infection

See a doctor the same day if you also have:

• Fever, chills or shivering
• Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
• Nausea or vomiting

A kidney infection needs prompt antibiotic treatment and sometimes hospital care.

Diagnosis

A urine test (urine routine examination) can show signs of infection. A urine culture identifies the bacteria and the antibiotics that will work against them. A culture is especially important for repeat infections, pregnancy, men with UTI symptoms, or when the first treatment fails, because antibiotic resistance in urinary bacteria is high in Pakistan.

Treatment

Most bladder infections in women clear up quickly with a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Commonly used options include nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, chosen according to local resistance and your situation. Symptoms usually start improving within 1 to 2 days.

• Complete the course exactly as prescribed.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush the bladder.
• Paracetamol can ease the pain and discomfort.
• Urine alkalinising sachets can relieve burning, but they do not cure the infection.

Avoid leftover antibiotics or ones bought without a prescription. Using the wrong antibiotic can make the infection harder to treat next time.

How to prevent UTIs

• Drink enough water so your urine stays pale yellow, especially in summer.
• Do not hold urine for long; go when you feel the need.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Pass urine soon after intimacy.
• Avoid scented washes and douches in the intimate area; plain water or a gentle wash is enough.
• Keep diabetes well controlled.

Cranberry products may modestly reduce repeat UTIs in some women, but they are not a treatment for an active infection. If you get three or more UTIs a year, ask your doctor about further tests and prevention.

UTI in pregnancy

UTIs in pregnancy need treatment even if there are no symptoms, because they can lead to kidney infection and early labour. Pregnant women should always see a doctor, as some antibiotics are not safe in pregnancy.

Key takeaways

• Burning, frequent urination and lower stomach pain suggest a bladder infection.
• Fever and back pain may mean a kidney infection, so see a doctor the same day.
• Antibiotics should be prescribed, ideally guided by a urine culture.
• Water, good hygiene and not holding urine help prevent repeat infections.

Browse medicines for urinary tract infection on Medimart.

This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a doctor.