Do you have a burning sensation when you pee? Then we’ve got a burning feeling that you have a bladder infection – but don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Bladder infections also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are among the most common reasons to seek medical advice.

Luckily, most of the time, your body does a great job at fending off the microscopic evildoers that cause UTIs. Read on and learn more about how to avoid UTIs and what to do if you do get one.

What is a urinary tract infection?

When bacteria travel into your bladder and multiply in your urine, this can cause a UTI. The bacteria travel up into the bladder through the urethra, and may come from the vagina or anal area but it isn’t always clear how they do so. UTIs are not contagious, so you can’t catch one from someone else, or from a public toilet.

How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?

Generally you will know as you will have symptoms - you might pee frequently, both day and night, feel pain and a burning sensation when you do, or have the urge to go but very little comes out. Your urine may look cloudy or bloody, or just smell different or offensive. You might have some pain in your lower stomach area just above your pubic bone.

What can I do to prevent it from happening to me?

Prevention is better than the cure, so the old saying goes. Here are some tips to prevent getting a UTI:

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the back passage reaching the urethra.

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help the bladder flush out bacteria regularly.
• Don’t hold in pee for long periods — going when you feel the urge helps clear bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Don’t use soap, bubble baths, bath bombs, or scented products around the vulva, which can irritate delicate skin and increase infection risk.

What's the recommended treatment for a UTI?

If you think you have a UTI, you don’t always need to see a doctor straight away. A UTI may clear up on its own with plenty of fluids and pain relief within a few days. A pharmacist can advise on your symptoms, suggest treatments such as pain relief and help advise you if you need to see a GP. You should seek medical advice urgently if you have a high temperature, back or side pain, vomiting, blood in your urine, symptoms during pregnancy, or symptoms that keep coming back.

If a UTI is suspected, you may be asked for a urine sample. Some people will need antibiotics, and symptoms usually improve within a couple of days once treatment starts.

You can help yourself at home by drinking plenty of fluids, which keeps urine diluted and may ease stinging. Using a warm heat pack on your lower tummy or back can also help with discomfort.

If symptoms don’t improve within two days, get worse, or keep returning, you should seek medical advice.

This is generalised advice and isn't personalised nor to replace the advice of your doctor and other health care professionals.