UNDERSTANDING UROLOGY
Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect the bladder, the urethra or, more seriously, the kidneys. UTIs are less common in men than in women, so men with symptoms should always see a doctor.
What you may notice
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Needing to pass urine more often or more urgently, including at night
- Cloudy, strong-smelling or blood-stained urine
- Pain in the lower tummy
- With a kidney infection: pain in the back or side under the ribs, high temperature, shivering and feeling generally unwell
Get help quickly if
- High temperature, shivering, or pain in the back or side – this may be a kidney infection and needs treatment the same day
- Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty speaking – this is an emergency
- Symptoms that do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment
- You are pregnant, have diabetes, have a weakened immune system or use a catheter – seek advice promptly
In an emergency in Kuwait, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How it is usually assessed
- A urine test, often with a sample sent to the laboratory to identify the bacteria and the right antibiotic
- For men, repeated infections or infections that do not settle: further checks such as a scan of the kidneys and bladder, a check of how well the bladder empties, a prostate examination and sometimes a cystoscopy
Treatment options
Antibiotics are the usual treatment; finish the full course even if you feel better. Pain relief and enough fluids help with symptoms. If infections keep coming back, it is important to look for an underlying cause, such as stones, incomplete bladder emptying or a prostate problem, and to discuss ways to prevent them.
What you can do
- Drink enough to pass pale urine regularly
- Do not hold in urine for long, and try to empty your bladder fully
- Do not take leftover or borrowed antibiotics
Based on NHS patient information: nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
This page is general information, not a personal medical assessment. Speak with a clinician about your own situation before starting or changing any treatment.