Burning when you urinate and needing to go more often can be signs of a urinary tract infection. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so a clinician may need to assess you.
Recognising symptoms
A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder or another part of the urinary tract. Symptoms may include pain when passing urine, urgency, needing to urinate more often or pain in the lower abdomen. Urine appearance or smell alone does not confirm an infection.
Make a note of when symptoms started and whether you have had similar episodes. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, diabetes, medicines and any recent treatment.
When to seek help promptly
Seek prompt medical advice if you are pregnant, have diabetes, see blood in your urine, have a fever or chills, or have pain in your back below the ribs. Children, older adults and people with weakened immunity should also seek prompt advice.
Confusion, severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing or becoming seriously unwell needs emergency assessment.
What happens at a consultation?
A clinician will ask about your symptoms and may request a urine sample. Treatment depends on the likely cause and your circumstances. Antibiotics may be needed for some infections, but taking leftover antibiotics without an assessment is not a good substitute for care.
If you receive treatment, ask when to expect improvement and what to do if symptoms do not settle or return.
Frequently asked questions
Does cloudy urine always mean a UTI?
No. A clinician considers symptoms and, when appropriate, test results.
Is a possible UTI in pregnancy urgent?
Yes. Contact your maternity or medical team promptly if you suspect one.
Can a UTI return?
Yes. If symptoms recur, see a clinician to discuss the pattern and whether further assessment is needed.
Related reading
Sources and further reading
Explore Family Medicine services or contact the clinic to ask about appointments. This article is general information, not a substitute for individual medical advice.