Urinary tract infection

Symptoms of a UTI

The symptoms of a UTI depend on which part of the urinary tract is affected. For many people, symptoms begin suddenly and can make everyday activities uncomfortable.

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Burning or pain when passing urine (dysuria)
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate, including at night
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back
• Feeling unusually tired or unwell
• Fever, nausea or vomiting (may indicate kidney involvement)

If the infection involves the kidneys, symptoms may feel more severe. Fever, back pain and nausea can sometimes be signs that the infection has spread higher in the urinary tract. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

What causes UTIs?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder.

Bacteria can reach the urinary tract during everyday activities, including sexual intercourse.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. These include:

• Older age
• Urinary tract stones
• Diabetes
• Structural differences in the urinary tract that affect urine flow
• A history of recurrent UTIs
• Urinary tract obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate
• Use of urinary catheters
• Pregnancy
• A weakened immune system

If UTIs occur repeatedly, your doctor may recommend further assessment to understand why infections are happening and how they can be prevented.

Diagnosing UTIs at King Edward VII’s Hospital

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, your consultant will begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history. This helps determine whether a UTI is likely and what tests may be needed.

Your doctor will usually ask you to provide a urine sample to check for infection and identify the bacteria, so they can recommend the most suitable treatment.

If infections are recurrent or symptoms are more complex, additional investigations may be advised to look more closely at the urinary tract. These might include:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound scan
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Cystoscopy (which allows your doctor to examine the inside of the bladder using a small camera)

Your consultant will explain any tests clearly and guide you through the next steps in your care.

When to seek help for a UTI

Mild UTIs can improve quickly with treatment, but symptoms should not be ignored. Getting medical advice early can help prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to the kidneys.

You should consider seeing a doctor if symptoms last longer than a few days, keep returning or begin to affect your daily life. It’s also important to seek medical advice promptly if you develop a high temperature, back pain, nausea or vomiting alongside urinary symptoms.

If you’re pregnant, have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes or have experienced repeated UTIs, it’s best to seek advice sooner so that the infection can be treated safely and effectively. 

Private UTI treatment with King Edward VII’s Hospital

Treatment for a UTI depends on the type of infection, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Many infections improve quickly once treatment begins.

Your consultant will assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment, such as:

• Pain relief to ease discomfort
• Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Antibiotics to treat the infection
• Vaginal oestrogen treatment for some women, particularly after menopause
• Procedures such as cystoscopy or urethral dilation

If symptoms continue or infections return frequently, your consultant may recommend further assessment to understand the underlying cause and discuss longer-term management options.

Why choose us for your UTI treatment?

At King Edward VII’s Hospital, you’ll be supported by consultants experienced in diagnosing and treating urinary conditions. Your care begins with a careful assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms.

You’ll also benefit from care delivered within an established independent hospital in central London. Our consultants work closely with diagnostic imaging and other specialist urology teams, which means investigations and treatment can be arranged efficiently in one place.

Throughout your care, the focus is on providing clear guidance and personalised treatment, so you’ll have a comprehensive plan and a good understanding of how to manage your symptoms.

Find UTI treatment in London

If you have pain when passing urine, urgency or other signs of a UTI, our experienced consultants can assess your symptoms quickly and recommend the most appropriate next steps. At King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London, we can arrange diagnosis and treatment promptly so you can start feeling better sooner.