Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Burning when you pee, constant urges, cloudy urine? UTIs are one of the most common infections in women — usually easy to treat, but worth catching early.
General education, not a diagnosis. SHELY is pre-launch — “Talk to someone” adds you to our experts waitlist; we don’t offer bookings yet.
A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria — most often E. coli from the gut — travel up the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Women get UTIs far more often than men because the female urethra is short, so bacteria reach the bladder more easily.
Most UTIs are bladder infections (cystitis): uncomfortable but not dangerous, and usually clearing quickly with the right antibiotic. The concern is when an untreated infection climbs to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) — this causes fever, back pain, and feeling genuinely unwell, and needs prompt medical care.
UTIs are more likely around sexual activity, during pregnancy, after menopause (when tissue changes make the bladder more vulnerable), and with diabetes. They're common and treatable — but recurring infections deserve a proper look rather than repeated guesswork.
Signs & symptoms
- A burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine
- Needing to pee often, urgently, even when little comes out
- Cloudy, strong-smelling, or pink/blood-tinged urine
- Aching or pressure low in the abdomen or pelvis
- Feeling generally unwell or run-down
- In older women, sudden confusion can sometimes be the main sign
Types
Cystitis (bladder infection)
The most common UTI — a bladder infection causing burning, urgency, and frequency. Usually uncomplicated and treated quickly.
Urethritis
Infection or inflammation of the urethra itself, often overlapping with cystitis symptoms.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
A more serious infection that has reached the kidneys, causing fever, chills, and back/flank pain. Needs prompt medical treatment.
Recurrent UTI
Two or more infections in six months, or three or more in a year — worth investigating for an underlying cause.
What causes it
- Bacteria (usually E. coli) from the gut entering the urethra
- Wiping back-to-front, spreading bacteria toward the urethra
- Sexual activity pushing bacteria toward the bladder
- Holding urine for long periods or not drinking enough fluids
- Lower oestrogen after menopause changing the vaginal and urinary tissue
- Pregnancy, diabetes, or anything that doesn't fully empty the bladder
When to seek help
See a doctor if you have burning, urgency, or cloudy urine that doesn't settle within a day or two — most UTIs need antibiotics. Seek prompt care if you develop a fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or blood in your urine, as these suggest a kidney infection. Pregnant women, anyone with diabetes, and those with frequent recurrences should always get UTIs checked rather than waiting them out.
How SHELY helps
Symptom Checker
Describe your urinary symptoms to understand whether this looks like a simple UTI or something needing urgent care.
SHELY Care
Note recurring infections and triggers so a pattern is clear if UTIs keep coming back.
SHELY Varsity
Evidence-based guides on preventing UTIs — hydration, habits, and what the research actually supports.
Not sure what comes next?
Pick a topic to explore what we know about Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Educational only — not a diagnosis.
- A burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine
- Needing to pee often, urgently, even when little comes out
- Cloudy, strong-smelling, or pink/blood-tinged urine
- Aching or pressure low in the abdomen or pelvis
- Feeling generally unwell or run-down
- In older women, sudden confusion can sometimes be the main sign
- Bacteria (usually E. coli) from the gut entering the urethra
- Wiping back-to-front, spreading bacteria toward the urethra
- Sexual activity pushing bacteria toward the bladder
- Holding urine for long periods or not drinking enough fluids
- Lower oestrogen after menopause changing the vaginal and urinary tissue
- Pregnancy, diabetes, or anything that doesn't fully empty the bladder
Cystitis (bladder infection)
The most common UTI — a bladder infection causing burning, urgency, and frequency. Usually uncomplicated and treated quickly.
Urethritis
Infection or inflammation of the urethra itself, often overlapping with cystitis symptoms.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
A more serious infection that has reached the kidneys, causing fever, chills, and back/flank pain. Needs prompt medical treatment.
Recurrent UTI
Two or more infections in six months, or three or more in a year — worth investigating for an underlying cause.
See a doctor if you have burning, urgency, or cloudy urine that doesn't settle within a day or two — most UTIs need antibiotics. Seek prompt care if you develop a fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or blood in your urine, as these suggest a kidney infection. Pregnant women, anyone with diabetes, and those with frequent recurrences should always get UTIs checked rather than waiting them out.
Symptom Checker
Describe your urinary symptoms to understand whether this looks like a simple UTI or something needing urgent care.
SHELY Care
Note recurring infections and triggers so a pattern is clear if UTIs keep coming back.
SHELY Varsity
Evidence-based guides on preventing UTIs — hydration, habits, and what the research actually supports.
Symptoms
- A burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine
- Needing to pee often, urgently, even when little comes out
- Cloudy, strong-smelling, or pink/blood-tinged urine
- Aching or pressure low in the abdomen or pelvis
- Feeling generally unwell or run-down
- In older women, sudden confusion can sometimes be the main sign
Causes
- Bacteria (usually E. coli) from the gut entering the urethra
- Wiping back-to-front, spreading bacteria toward the urethra
- Sexual activity pushing bacteria toward the bladder
- Holding urine for long periods or not drinking enough fluids
- Lower oestrogen after menopause changing the vaginal and urinary tissue
- Pregnancy, diabetes, or anything that doesn't fully empty the bladder
Types
Cystitis (bladder infection)
The most common UTI — a bladder infection causing burning, urgency, and frequency. Usually uncomplicated and treated quickly.
Urethritis
Infection or inflammation of the urethra itself, often overlapping with cystitis symptoms.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
A more serious infection that has reached the kidneys, causing fever, chills, and back/flank pain. Needs prompt medical treatment.
Recurrent UTI
Two or more infections in six months, or three or more in a year — worth investigating for an underlying cause.
When to seek care
See a doctor if you have burning, urgency, or cloudy urine that doesn't settle within a day or two — most UTIs need antibiotics. Seek prompt care if you develop a fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or blood in your urine, as these suggest a kidney infection. Pregnant women, anyone with diabetes, and those with frequent recurrences should always get UTIs checked rather than waiting them out.
How SHELY helps
Symptom Checker
Describe your urinary symptoms to understand whether this looks like a simple UTI or something needing urgent care.
SHELY Care
Note recurring infections and triggers so a pattern is clear if UTIs keep coming back.
SHELY Varsity
Evidence-based guides on preventing UTIs — hydration, habits, and what the research actually supports.
Frequently asked
Can a UTI go away without antibiotics?
Some very mild bladder infections settle with rest and plenty of fluids, but most need antibiotics to clear fully. Untreated UTIs can climb to the kidneys, so don't simply wait if symptoms persist beyond a day or two.
Does cranberry juice prevent UTIs?
Evidence is mixed and modest. It won't treat an active infection. Staying well-hydrated, peeing after sex, and not holding urine are more reliably helpful.
Why do I keep getting UTIs?
Recurrent UTIs can relate to anatomy, sexual activity, incomplete bladder emptying, or low oestrogen after menopause. If you get them often, ask your doctor to look for an underlying cause rather than just repeating antibiotics.
When is a UTI an emergency?
Fever, chills, back or side pain, vomiting, or feeling very unwell suggest the infection has reached the kidneys — get medical care promptly, especially if you're pregnant or have diabetes.
✔ Written from established medical guidance — independent clinical review in progress
This guide is for general education and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency or crisis, see our crisis support resources.