UTI Symptoms Checker
Welcome to the UTI symptom checker.
This short quiz has been designed to help you identify if you have a UTI, and help you choose the right treatment or course of action depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing.
UTIs are usually infections caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), and typically affect the urethra, bladder, vagina and kidneys. UTIs are very common, and nothing to be embarrassed about, but depending on the severity and the symptoms you are experiencing, it may be necessary to see your doctor for antibiotic treatment.
UTIs are common, particularly in women and with increasing age, with women being more likely to get a UTI than men.
In women, the urethra is short and straight, making it easier for bacteria that cause UTIs to travel into the bladder, increasing the likelihood of infection.
1 in 2 women experience a UTI in their lifetime
1 in 20 men
UTIs are less common in men than they are in women, but men can still suffer from them, particularly if they have trouble with urine flow.
Older men who experience prostatitis (an inflammation of the prostate) are at a higher risk of getting a UTI. If the bladder is not emptying properly, the build-up of urine makes it more difficult to cure the infection.
A small number of young men may get a UTI, usually as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
Infections such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia can cause urethritis in both men and women, and can be passed on during sexual intercourse. In instances where sexually transmitted infections are responsible for a UTI, both partners need medical treatment to avoid re-infection.
To learn more about UTIs in men, click here.
During pregnancy, the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens so urine does not drain as quickly, which can make it easier to get a UTI.
Bacteria may also move from the bladder to the kidney causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in complications, such as increased blood pressure, so it is very important to have them treated as soon as possible.
To learn more about UTIs in pregnancy, click here
- Upper UTIs can occur if bacteria travels into the kidneys
- 1. Bacteria enters the urinary tract via the urethra and attaches to the walls of the urethra
- 2. Bacteria travels up into the bladder and attaches to the walls of the bladder
- 3. Bacteria multiplies in the bladder
In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age, especially after menopause or a hysterectomy. This can be linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
Additionally, women may be more susceptible to infections during menopause or after a total hysterectomy due to changes in female sex hormones, which can have an impact on bacteria in the vagina.
To learn more about menopause and the risk of UTIs, click here
Sexual activity is the most common cause of UTIs, with bacteria such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia causing urethritis in both men and women. These bacteria can be passed on during sexual intercourse so both partners need medical treatment to avoid re-infection.
However, there are many bacteria that can cause urine infections or cystitis that may not be a result of sexual activity, with the most common being Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Some risk factors for repeated UTIs include:
- Use of spermicide jelly or a diaphragm for contraception.
- A new sexual partner in the last year.
- Increase in sexual activity.
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that almost always follows bacterial infection in the urine. It is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women.
Cystitis can be mild to severe, with symptoms including:
- Frequent urge to urinate, if only to pass a few drops
- Strong-smelling urine
- Cloudy or discoloured urine
- Pain in your lower abdomen
- Blood in your urine.
Mild cystitis can be treated if you take action immediately, by drinking plenty of liquids, taking a urinary alkaliniser, and avoiding acidic foods and drinks (as these cancel out the effects of urinary alkalinisers and may make symptoms worse).
A burning, stinging, or tingling sensation when you go to the toilet is a common symptom associated with UTIs.
Because UTIs are caused by bacteria, it is common to experience cloudy or smelly urine when you go to the toilet.
Wanting to urinate more often and urgently, even if you are only able to pass a few drops, and feeling like your bladder is still full are common symptoms of UTIs.
Pain is a common symptom associated with UTIs; however, sometimes pain can be an indicator of a more serious infection that needs to be treated by a doctor.
- Chills
- Fever
- Vomiting
Upper UTIs can occur if bacteria travels into the kidneys. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it may be signs of a kidney infection.
When you go to the toilet, can you see blood in your urine? (This may make your urine look pink, red, or brown in colour).
UTIs are the most commonly encountered bacterial infection, and many people are prone to repeated UTIs.
250,000 Australians’ suffer from a UTI each year.
1 in 4 women have a recurrence of a UTI within 6 months.
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you may benefit from urinary tract health maintenance of medically diagnosed cystitis with Ural High Strength Cranberry Capsules.
Contains 60,000 mg of cranberry to help promote healthy flora in the urinary tract and reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis.
Cranberries contain natural substances that have been shown to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and urethra.
Studies have shown that cranberry products may be useful for preventing UTIs in people who experience them frequently.
Ural High Strength Cranberry Capsules may be taken alongside Ural Effervescent Powder to help maintain a healthy urinary tract.
- If your symptoms continue or get worse, see your doctor for advice.
- To learn more about the benefits of cranberry in the management of UTIs,click here.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you may benefit from relief of burning or stinging symptoms while urinating due to a UTI with Ural Effervescent Powder.
Works by raising the pH (making the urine less acidic) to provide relief from the painful burning symptoms of UTIs.
Available in Cranberry and Lemon flavours.
May be useful if you have been prescribed antibiotics for a UTI to help relieve symptoms until the antibiotics take effect.
Consuming extra water while taking Ural Effervescent Powder may have a “flushing” effect on the urinary tract.
- If your symptoms continue or get worse, see your doctor for advice.
- Do not take alongside Uramet.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Uramet and Ural Effervescent Powder should NOT be used together.
Ask your Pharmacist about Uramet
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you may benefit from prevention of recurrent* UTIs with Uramet Antibacterial Tablets, which are available over-the-counter from the Pharmacy.
Uramet is a non-antibiotic, antibacterial treatment for recurrent UTIs, which contains the active ingredient methenamine hippurate.
Methenamine hippurate has proven wide-spectrum antibacterial activity.
Suitable for taking after completion of antibiotic treatment for a UTI as a short-term or long-term therapy, to help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Available over the counter from your Pharmacy.
- If your symptoms continue or get worse, see your doctor for advice.
- Do not take alongside Uramet.
*Recurrent UTIs = experiencing 2 or more UTIs in 6 months or 3 or more UTIs in 12 months.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Uramet and Ural Effervescent Powder should NOT be used together.
Typically, people suffering from UTI or uncomplicated cystitis experience a sudden onset of symptoms, including:
- Pain or burning feeling when urinating.
- A strong persistent need to urinate.
- Passing frequent small amounts of urine.
- A feeling of bladder fullness.
- Urine that is cloudy or strong smelling.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pelvic discomfort or back pain.
- Fever and feeling unwell.
If you develop any of these symptoms, or are still concerned, see your doctor for advice.
Based on your answers in the questionnaire, you may have a UTI or cystitis that requires medical attention, such as treatment with antibiotics. Make an appointment to see your doctor or speak to a pharmacist as soon as you can.
Ural Effervescent Powder may be useful if you have been prescribed antibiotics for a UTI to help relieve painful burning symptoms until the antibiotics take effect.