The most common UTI symptoms are a burning or stinging feeling when you wee, needing to go often or urgently, and cloudy, strong-smelling or bloody urine. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually caused by bacteria and is most common in adult women, but men, children and older people get them too. Below are the signs in each group, how UTIs are treated in Australia, and the kidney infection warning signs that need urgent care.
What are the symptoms of a UTI? A quick checklist
A bladder infection (cystitis) usually causes discomfort when passing urine and a frequent urge to go. According to healthdirect, typical symptoms in adults include:
- A strong, persistent urge to wee
- Pain or burning when you wee
- Needing to wee often, but only passing small amounts
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or blood in the urine
- Pain above the pubic bone or in the lower tummy
Fever, chills, pain in the lower back or sides, nausea or vomiting suggest the infection may have spread to the kidneys. That needs prompt medical attention.
What is a UTI and what causes it?
A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. A lower UTI affects the urethra and bladder, while an upper UTI affects the ureters and kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Most UTIs start when bacteria from the bowel, most often Escherichia coli (E. coli), get into the urethra and travel up to the bladder. Things that can raise the risk include:
- Wiping from back to front after going to the toilet
- Frequent sex (in women), spermicides and some bubble bath products
- Kidney stones, diabetes or prostate problems
- Having a urinary catheter, or past radiation therapy
A urinary tract infection in women is more common because the urethra is shorter and closer to the bowel, and being female is a listed risk factor for kidney infection.
UTI symptoms in men, older people and children: what's different?
UTI symptoms in these groups can be less typical. Pharmacist UTI services in NSW and Queensland only cover women aged 18 to 65, so men, children and older people outside that range need a doctor.
| Group | What to look for | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Burning, frequency or urgency; sometimes linked to an enlarged prostate or blockage | See a doctor |
| Older people | Usual signs, or sudden confusion, drowsiness or loss of bladder control | Sudden confusion (delirium) is an emergency: call 000 |
| Babies and toddlers | Fever, irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, sleepiness; often just "generally unwell" | See a doctor as soon as possible |
| Older children | Stinging, going often, new wetting after toilet training, tummy pain, fever | See a doctor as soon as possible |
In older people, infection commonly triggers delirium, which can start suddenly and cause confusion, sleepiness, or loss of bladder control. UTIs are especially common in children still in nappies, and testing the urine is the only way to know for sure (RCH Kids Health Info; SCHN). See a doctor as soon as possible, or go to the nearest emergency department, if a child has signs of a more severe infection such as a fever that won't go down, back pain or feeling very tired (SCHN).
How are UTIs diagnosed and treated in Australia?
A doctor, including an after-hours doctor, usually diagnoses a UTI based on your symptoms and a urine test, and may send a sample to a lab to determine which antibiotic will work best. Pharmacy home test kits don't give enough information to confirm a UTI.
UTI treatment depends on the person and the severity. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. Self-care while you recover includes:
- Rest, taking time off work if needed, and drinking plenty of fluids
- Use a heat pack on your tummy or back for comfort
- Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol, following the label
See a doctor if symptoms last longer than 3 days, keep coming back, or you are pregnant. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the course as directed.
Can a pharmacist treat a UTI in NSW or Queensland?
Yes, for some women. In both states, trained pharmacists can treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 18 to 65:
- NSW: Since 1 June 2024, trained pharmacists with suitable facilities can provide UTI consultations statewide for women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI who have not had other recent UTIs and are not at high risk of complications (NSW Health). Pharmacies may charge a consultation fee, the medicine isn't subsidised, and the pharmacist will notify your doctor (NSW Health: Expanded scope pharmacy services). In the trial, 7.3% of more than 17,000 women were referred to a GP or emergency department (University of Newcastle).
- Queensland: The pharmacy UTI service was made permanent in 2022 after a pilot with more than 800 pharmacies (Queensland Government). Under the current Queensland Health authority (version 10, in force from 1 March 2026), trained pharmacists can treat acute uncomplicated cystitis in female patients aged 18 to 65 (Queensland Health: EPA Pharmacists).
Men, children, pregnant people and anyone with kidney infection signs need a doctor. Eligibility can change, so check with a local pharmacy first.
Why antibiotic choice matters: resistance in Australia
E. coli, the most common cause of UTIs, is becoming more resistant to antibiotics in Australia. The national AURA surveillance report found multidrug-resistant E. coli in bloodstream infections rose from 10.9% in 2022 to 12.6% in 2024 (Sixth AURA report, 2026).
That is one reason a doctor may order a urine culture before choosing an antibiotic. Antibiotics aren't always needed either: NSW Health notes uncomplicated UTIs can often be managed without them, with symptoms usually settling within a week (NSW Health).
When is a UTI an emergency? Kidney infection red flags
A UTI becomes urgent when the infection may have reached the kidneys or bloodstream. Fever, back or side pain or vomiting need same-day care; signs of severe infection need 000.
Sepsis from a UTI is rare but life-threatening and needs immediate treatment. You can also call the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.
How can you lower your risk of another UTI?
Simple daily habits can reduce the chance of a repeat infection.
- Drinking plenty of water
- Going to the toilet when you feel the urge, and emptying your bladder fully
- Wiping from front to back
- Weeing soon after sex
- Wearing cotton underwear
For children, treat constipation, teach front-to-back wiping and avoid bubble baths and scented soaps (SCHN). If UTIs keep coming back, talk to your regular GP about why.
