Health & WellbeingGeneralI feel the urge to go to the toilet all the time – could I have a UTI or Cystitis?
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I feel the urge to go to the toilet all the time – could I have a UTI or Cystitis?

By Melina - Assistant Editor May 11, 2020

For the past few days I feel like I need to wee all the time. I keep visiting the toilet but then can hardly go. I also have a small pain in my left lower tummy. Is it possible I have a water infection?

It does sound like you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). These are very common in adults, although usually affecting women. Along with the bladder the infection affects the kidney and the connecting tubes.

It is believed these infections occur when bacteria from the gut gets into the urinary tract. This can happen if you wipe your bottom from back to front or during sexual intercourse for example.

People can also suffer from UTIs if their immune system is weak, if they have a urinary catheter in place or use contraception such as diaphragms or condoms with spermicide.

Children can also be affected by UTIs – see our factsheet for more information.

There are lower and upper UTIs. The lower UTI will affect the bladder and urethra (the tube that urine travels along to exit the body). The upper UTI affects the kidneys and connecting tubes.

Lower UTIs can sometimes extend to the kidneys which can make those affected feel very unwell with back pain and high temperature.

Common symptoms:

Lower UTI symptoms include:

  • A stinging sensation when you urinate
  • A need to urinate urgently and more frequently than usual
  • An inability to fully empty the bladder
  • Lower abdomen pain
  • Smelly, cloudy urine that may also show blood
  • Feeling generally unwell

Lower UTIs are not usually serious but if these symptoms haven’t got better after a few days or if indeed they get worse then you must see your GP.  If you have regular urine infections then your doctor may refer you to a urologist to investigate further.

Upper UTI symptoms may include:

  • High temperature
  • Abdomen and groin pain or lower back pain
  • Feeling nauseous and vomiting
  • Feeling confused or agitated

Kidney infections can be serious so if you have any of these symptoms you must make an urgent appointment with your doctor.

Treatment for UTIs

You will have to provide a urine sample for the GP to send to a lab to check for infection. In order to stop the infection spreading it is usual for your GP to prescribe antibiotics immediately and then only change them if your specimen shows a different result.  A course of antibiotics should always be seen through to the end but UTI symptoms should start to improve within 3 – 5 days. However, if your symptoms do not show signs of improving, get worse or return then you should contact your doctor.

Here are a few handy self-help tips and ways of how to prevent UTIs.

Preventing UTIs

  • Over the counter medication can be bought to help relieve symptoms of UTI and it is safe to take standard painkillers too.
  • It is usual to be prescribed antibiotics for a UTI. Some men, pregnant women and those with advanced symptoms are likely to be given a longer course.
  • Drink 2 – 3 litres a day (preferably water, although barley water and cranberry juice can help)
  • Cut down on caffeine
  • Don’t put off going to the toilet, empty your bladder regularly and properly
  • Wash regularly but steer clear of perfumed bath products. Showering is better than taking a bath.
  • Only wipe your bottom from front to back
  • Wear cotton, not synthetic, underwear and avoid tight fitting trousers
  • Try not to use contraceptive diaphragms and condoms with spermicide
  • Use the toilet as soon as you can after sexual intercourse.

Read more about Urinary tract infection

Answered by the nurses at Health at Hand

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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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