A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Women are particularly often affected. Early treatment with antibiotics is important.
A urinary tract infection develops when bacteria enter the bladder or urinary tract through the urethra and cause inflammation there. In most cases the infection stays limited to the lower urinary tract (bladder infection) and shows up as burning during urination and a frequent urge to urinate. Uncomplicated cases often improve within a few days under suitable treatment. However, if the infection ascends to the kidneys, the course can become more severe.
In most cases the cause is intestinal bacteria such as E. coli that travel from the anal area to the urethra. Women fall ill considerably more often because of their shorter urethra. Contributing factors include sexual intercourse, insufficient fluid intake, infrequent or held-back urination, and wiping in the wrong direction after using the toilet. Pregnancy, diabetes, menopause, bladder catheters or a weakened immune system also increase the risk.
A medical evaluation is advisable if symptoms last longer than two to three days, keep recurring, or occur during pregnancy. Warning signs of a more serious infection are fever, chills, flank or back pain, nausea, or visible blood in the urine – in which case you should see a doctor promptly. Men and children with symptoms should always be examined. In the case of high fever with a strong sense of illness or confusion, call the emergency number 112.
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Prescription, sick note or referral, digitally
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Video consultation — usually <15 min wait
Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.
In most cases, yes. Following a consultation, our doctors can issue an e-prescription for suitable antibiotics.
After the video consultation, you receive your e-prescription digitally straight away and can redeem it at any pharmacy.