What Causes a UTI in Women?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can stop you in your tracks. The burning sensation, the constant urge to go, and the lower tummy ache make it hard to carry on as normal.

UTIs are incredibly common. In fact, around 50-60% of women in the UK will have at least one in their lifetime, and for many, they don’t just happen once.

Understanding what causes UTIs is the first step to managing them, and knowing when it’s time to get treatment.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system. It is usually in the bladder or urethra, but it can spread to the kidneys in more serious cases.

You might also hear UTIs referred to as:

• Bladder infections
• Water infections
• Cystitis (a common type of UTI that affects the bladder)

What causes a UTI in women?

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the bowel (usually E. coli) getting into the urinary tract. For women, this is more likely to happen because the urethra (the tube you wee through) is shorter and sits closer to the anus. That makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the bladder.

Here are some of the most common reasons UTIs occur:

• Sex – During sex, bacteria can be pushed towards the urethra. This is one of the main reasons UTIs are more common in sexually active women.
• Wiping the Wrong Way – Wiping back to front can move bacteria towards the urethra. 
• Holding in Your Wee – Not going when you need to gives bacteria more time to grow in the bladder.
• Not Drinking Enough – Staying well hydrated helps flush out your system and clear any bacteria before they cause problems.
• Menopause – Hormone changes can make the bladder and urinary tract more prone to infection.
• Some Types of Contraception – Diaphragms and spermicides can upset the natural balance of bacteria.
• Pregnancy – Hormone shifts and added pressure on the bladder can increase your risk.
• Other Health Issues – Conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system can make it harder for your body to fight off infections.

Sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right, UTIs can still keep coming back. For some women, they’re simply more prone to them, and that can be incredibly frustrating.

Symptoms of UTIs to Watch For

The most common urinary tract infection symptoms include:

• A stinging or burning feeling when you wee
• Needing to go more often than usual
• Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder
• Urine that’s cloudy, dark, or smells stronger than usual
• Pain or pressure low down in your tummy
• Feeling tired, shaky or generally unwell

Some people also notice a bit of blood in their urine, which can be alarming but is often linked to irritation in the bladder lining.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, you might also get:

• A high temperature
• Pain in your lower back or sides
• Nausea or vomiting

These are signs of a more serious infection and need treatment quickly.

How to Prevent UTIs

If you’ve had a UTI before, you’ll probably want to avoid going through it again. While not all infections can be prevented, these simple habits can help reduce your risk:

Wipe from Front to Back

Cleaning yourself from front to back helps stop bacteria from spreading to the urethra.

Wee After Sex

 Going to the toilet after sex can flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urinary tract.

Don’t Hold Your Wee

Try not to delay going for a wee when you need to. Holding it in gives bacteria more time to grow.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of your bladder. Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.

Avoid Perfumed Products

Things like scented bubble baths, intimate washes, or sprays can irritate the area and make infections more likely.

Wear Breathable Underwear

Cotton pants and loose-fitting clothes help keep things dry and reduce irritation.

Take Care with Contraception

If you use a diaphragm or spermicide and get UTIs often, speak to a pharmacist or GP about alternatives.

Will a UTI go away on its own?

While some very mild UTI symptoms go away on their own, most urinary infections need treatment, especially if symptoms are getting worse or lasting more than a couple of days.

Leaving a UTI untreated can allow the infection to spread can turn into a kidney infection. This can cause more severe symptoms, and in rare cases, it can lead to a serious infection in the bloodstream (called sepsis).

Other possible complications include:

• Recurrent UTIs – Infections that come back again and again
• Kidney Damage – Long-term infections can affect how your kidneys work
• Pregnancy Problems – UTIs during pregnancy can increase the risk of early labour

That’s why it’s important not to ignore the signs. Even if it feels like just a minor irritation, getting the right treatment early can prevent it from turning into something more serious.

When to See a Pharmacist or GP for UTI Treatment

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse.

You should get urinary tract infection treatment if:

• Your symptoms last longer than two days
• You have signs of a kidney infection (back pain, fever, nausea)
• You’re pregnant or have other health conditions, like diabetes
• You get a UTI regularly (more than twice in six months)

The good news is you don’t always need to book a GP appointment. At Click2Pharmacy, our online UTI treatment clinic is a simple way to get help fast. Complete a short online consultation, and our UK-registered pharmacists will review your symptoms and recommend suitable treatment, with next-day delivery available.

For many women, this is a quicker and more discreet way to get relief without the wait.

How are UTIs treated?

Most UTIs are treated with a short course of antibiotics. These work by clearing the infection and usually start easing symptoms within a day or two.

You might be prescribed:

• Nitrofurantoin – this is usually the first choice for bladder infection treatment
• Trimethoprim – another common option
• Other Antibiotics – depending on your medical history or past UTIs

You don’t always need antibiotics straight away, though. If your symptoms are mild or you’re waiting to speak to a pharmacist or GP, there are over-the-counter options that may help ease discomfort in the meantime.

These include:

• Pain Relief – Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with burning, pressure, and tummy pain.
• Cystitis Relief Sachets – Products that contain potassium citrate, like Cystopurin sachets, or sodium citrate like Care cystitis sachets, help reduce the acidity of your urine, which can make it less painful to wee.
• Drinking Plenty of Fluids – Water helps flush out bacteria naturally.
• Avoiding Things That Will Irritate Your Bladder – Some food and drinks make symptoms worse, like caffeine, alcohol, spicy food and fizzy drinks.

These OTC products won’t cure a UTI on their own, but they can provide some relief while your body recovers or while you wait to start antibiotic treatment.

Need relief from UTI symptoms?

Whether it’s your first infection or you’re prone to repeat UTIs, don’t wait it out or suffer in silence. Fast, discreet treatment is only a few clicks away.

At Click2Pharmacy, our online cystitis clinic makes it easy to get help without leaving home. Just complete a short online consultation, and our UK-registered pharmacists will review your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment.