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Urine Infection in Women: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Urine infections are one of the most common reasons women see a doctor. They are easy to treat when caught early, and worth taking seriously.
Written by Dr. Fanila Adhi, MBBS, RMP. General information, not a replacement for a consultation.
Common symptoms
- Burning or pain while passing urine.
- Needing to pass urine often, or urgently, with only a little coming out.
- Lower tummy pain or pressure.
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine, sometimes with blood.
Signs the infection may have spread
Fever, shivering, pain in the back or side under the ribs, nausea or vomiting can mean the infection has reached the kidneys. This needs a doctor the same day.
How it is treated
Most urine infections are treated with a short course of the right antibiotic. A urine test, and sometimes a urine culture, helps choose the correct medicine, especially if infections keep coming back. Finish the full course, even if you feel better after a day or two.
Please do not take leftover antibiotics or ask the pharmacy for a random one. Wrong antibiotics are a major reason infections become resistant.
Who should be seen quickly
- Pregnant women with any urine symptoms.
- Women with diabetes.
- Anyone with fever, back pain, or blood in the urine.
- Women who get three or more infections a year.
Reducing the chance of another infection
- Drink enough water through the day, especially in Karachi heat.
- Do not hold urine for long periods.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Pass urine after intercourse.
- Choose cotton underwear and avoid scented washes in the private area.
If you would prefer to discuss this with a female doctor, you can see Dr. Fanila at the clinic or book a private online consultation. More on women's care at Hiba Care Clinic.
Common questions
Can a urine infection go away on its own?
Mild infections sometimes settle, but many need antibiotics, and untreated infections can spread to the kidneys. It is safer to see a doctor.
Is a urine infection dangerous in pregnancy?
It can be, so pregnant women with any urine symptoms should see a doctor promptly. Some infections in pregnancy have no symptoms and are found on routine urine tests.
Can I get treatment online?
Often yes. Dr. Fanila can assess symptoms over a WhatsApp consultation and advise a urine test. If you have fever or back pain, you may need to be seen in person.
Need to see the doctor?
Send a WhatsApp message with your name, your area, and what the problem is. We will reply with the next available time for a clinic, online, or home visit.