A test that checks for bacteria or yeast in your urine, which could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Overview
What is a UTI?
It’s a bacterial or yeast infection of your urinary system.
How did I catch a UTI?
UTIs occur when bacteria or yeast enter the urinary tract. They may enter because of sex, an STI or through faeces spreading from anus to urethra.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms include needing to pee more than usual; smelly, cloudy or bloody pee; a burning or stinging sensation when peeing; pain in your abdomen.
How do I get tested?
Book a simple urine test now.
Did You Know?
Urinary tract infections are most common in women, 50% of whom say they have had a UTI at some point.
What is a urinary tract infection?
Your urinary tract is the system your body uses to expel waste and water from the kidneys. It includes the kidneys, the bladder, and the tubes that carry the waste (ureters and the urethra). A UTI is a bacterial or fungal infection of any part of that system, although infections of the lower system (bladder and urethra) are more common.
How did I catch a UTI?
You can’t always prevent a UTI. Doing something as simple as wiping from back to front when you go to the toilet can be enough to transmit bacteria from poo to the urethra. This is particularly the case for women, where the distance between anus and urethra is shorter than for men. Generally, however, sex (especially with a new partner) can trigger a UTI, as can a sexually transmitted infection. Other causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Kidney stones
- Having a urinary catheter
- An enlarged prostate (in men)
- A weakened immune system (e.g. HIV)
Symptoms of a UTI
Typical symptoms of a UTI include:
- A stinging or burning sensation when you pee
- An urge to pee more often than usual
- Smelly, cloudy or bloody pee
- In women, pelvic pain
- Abdominal pains
Children with a UTI may wet the bed (or wet the bed more frequently), feel generally unwell, or try to hold in their pee because it stings.
In older people, a UTI may cause confusion or agitation. Such symptoms can be difficult to spot in people with dementia.
How can this test help me?
This test looks for colonies of bacteria or fungus growing in unusual numbers which may indicate a UTI.
If you test positive the UTI will usually pass within a few days. You can alleviate the symptoms by taking paracetamol, drinking plenty of fluids and, if you’re experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain, using a hot water bottle to warm the affected area.
If symptoms persist, or if you have diarrhoea, feel sick, or have pain around your kidneys (lower back and sides), see you GP immediately.
How do I get tested?
A simple urine test is all you need.
To get tested please contact Better2Know your Body on the number above or click book now.