Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are experiencing an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 000.
What is it?
UTIs are often caused by bacteria, leading to symptoms like a frequent need to urinate, burning sensations while urinating, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and sometimes pelvic pain. UTIs are more common in women, but they can affect men as well. You and your healthcare provider can discuss the causes of UTIs and the most suitable treatment for you.
How common are UTIs?
It is estimated that around one in two women will experience a UTI at some point in their lifetime, with women being more prone to UTIs than men due to their shorter urethras. UTIs are also common in older adults and people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.
The overall incidence of UTIs varies, but it is generally one of the most frequent bacterial infections in Australia, contributing to a significant number of visits to healthcare providers, particularly in primary care settings. Both uncomplicated and complicated UTIs are seen, with uncomplicated cases being more common in younger, healthy individuals, while older adults may experience more complex or recurrent UTIs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can vary depending on which part of the urinary system is affected, but common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination or feeling the need to urinate urgently
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling tired or generally unwell
- Fever (in more severe cases, or if the infection spreads to the kidneys)
In some cases, especially in older adults, symptoms may be less typical or more subtle, like confusion or agitation. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney infections.
How we can help
We provide a convenient and secure system for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your smart device. You can have a video call on-demand by joining the queue for the next available doctor, or schedule an appointment at a time that suits you. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know illness and injury don’t adhere to conventional practice hours.
Much like a traditional appointment, your telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Pre-existing conditions, family history and lifestyle
- Preferred treatments and ability to access them
- Individualised advice to treat your condition
- Referrals or scripts at the discretion of the doctor
Why choose doctors on demand?
Talk to a doctor about a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Our patients choose us for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, to addressing specific concerns such as hair loss and acne – or simply because they need a medical certificate or referral. Choose from over 200 doctors with a wide range of qualifications and experiences, and 25+ languages spoken, to find the right fit for you. All our doctors are registered in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for a minimum of 3 years.