Urinary Tract Infection

A bladder infection, usually from bowel bacteria. Causes burning, frequent or urgent urination. About half of women have one at some point.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Strong evidenceShort course of antibioticsThe usual treatment: 3 to 5 days for most women. Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 days.
• Strong evidencePrevention: vaginal oestrogenReduces repeat UTIs after menopause.
• Moderate evidencePain relief and fluidsAnti-inflammatories or paracetamol ease symptoms while antibiotics work.
• Moderate evidencePrevention: drink more waterIn women who drank little, an extra 1.5 litres a day roughly halved repeat UTIs.
• Moderate evidencePrevention: cranberry productsA 2023 Cochrane review found they probably reduce repeat UTIs by about a quarter in women who get them often.
• Moderate evidencePrevention: methenamineA non-antibiotic tablet that can prevent repeat UTIs. Ask your GP.
• Limited evidenceUrine alkalinisersMay ease stinging but don’t treat the infection. Don’t take them with the antibiotic nitrofurantoin, as they make it work less well.
• Limited evidenceD-mannoseA recent large trial found no benefit.

What you can do

• Pass urine soon after sex.
• Don’t hold on for long periods.
• Avoid spermicides if UTIs keep coming back.

See your GP if

• You’re pregnant or male, or a child has symptoms
• No better after 2 days of antibiotics
• 2 or more UTIs in 6 months
• Blood in the urine

See a doctor the same day for fever, shivers, back or side pain, or vomiting. These can mean a kidney infection.

Evidence and more information

• Healthdirect: Cystitis (bladder infection)
• Cochrane: Cranberries for preventing UTIs
• NICE: Lower urinary tract infection

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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