Common symptoms
- Burning or pain while passing urine
- Passing urine often, in small amounts
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever, chills or pain in the back, which can mean the kidney is involved
When not to wait: Go to an emergency department at once for fever with chills, vomiting or severe back pain, or if you are pregnant and feel unwell.
Tests that may be needed
- Urine test and urine culture
- Ultrasound, for repeated infections
- Further tests, depending on the cause suspected
Cost, insurance and government schemes
Cost depends on the procedure and your hospital stay. See how estimates, insurance and schemes work.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take antibiotics left over from an earlier infection?
No. Antibiotics should be chosen for the current infection, ideally after a urine test. Leftover or incomplete courses can lead to resistant infections.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please read our medical disclaimer.