Cystitis (Bladder Infection)
The most common UTI — bacterial infection confined to the bladder. Causes burning, frequency and urgency. Usually responds well to a short antibiotic course when diagnosed accurately.
UrologyUTI Care
Accurate diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment for bladder infections, kidney infections and recurrent UTIs — fast clinical evaluation at Dhanya Speciality Hospital.
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Recognise the signs
UTI symptoms range from mild burning and frequency to severe systemic illness. Location of infection — bladder vs kidney — determines the severity and urgency of treatment.
Seek emergency care immediately if…
You have high fever (above 38°C), rigors (uncontrollable shaking), back or flank pain alongside urinary symptoms, vomiting, or confusion. These indicate a kidney infection or urosepsis — a life-threatening emergency.
Never self-prescribe antibiotics
Taking the wrong antibiotic fails to cure your infection, promotes drug-resistant bacteria, and masks symptoms of a more serious underlying condition. Always seek medical evaluation and a culture where appropriate.
Types of UTI
Not all UTIs are the same. Where the infection is located determines the symptoms, risk level and how it needs to be treated.
The most common UTI — bacterial infection confined to the bladder. Causes burning, frequency and urgency. Usually responds well to a short antibiotic course when diagnosed accurately.
Infection or inflammation of the urethra. May cause burning on urination and discharge. Can coexist with cystitis or result from other infections requiring different treatment.
A UTI that has ascended to the kidneys. Causes high fever, chills, flank pain and systemic illness. Requires prompt treatment — often IV antibiotics — to prevent kidney damage.
Two or more UTIs within six months, or three within a year. Requires investigation to identify contributing factors — stones, obstruction, anatomical causes or incomplete treatment.
How we diagnose
Getting the right antibiotic starts with getting the right diagnosis. Urine culture — not a guess — is the foundation of effective UTI treatment.
Symptom duration, character, previous UTIs, recent antibiotics, sexual history, menstrual cycle and systemic symptoms (fever, rigors) help determine severity and likely cause.
Dipstick testing detects leucocytes and nitrites — a quick guide. Microscopy identifies cells, casts and organisms directly, guiding immediate management.
The gold standard. Identifies the specific organism and its antibiotic sensitivities — critical for recurrent UTIs or those that fail first-line treatment.
Ultrasound KUB rules out stones, obstruction and abscess. CT scan is used for complicated upper UTIs, suspected obstruction or when the diagnosis is uncertain.
How we treat
Treatment is matched to the type of infection, severity, causative organism and individual patient factors. Correct treatment resolves the infection and prevents complications.
Antibiotics are the definitive treatment for bacterial UTI. The agent and duration depend on infection location, severity, organism and sensitivity. Self-prescribing without culture risks resistance and missed diagnosis.
Adequate fluid intake dilutes bacteria and aids clearance. Urinary analgesics may relieve burning in the short term but do not treat the infection — antibiotics remain essential.
Recurrent infections require investigation for predisposing factors. Management may include post-coital prophylaxis, low-dose prophylactic antibiotics, or treatment of an identified underlying cause.
Pyelonephritis, infected obstructions and sepsis from UTI may require hospitalisation, IV antibiotics, and urgent urological drainage. Delay worsens outcome significantly.
Reduce your risk
Simple, evidence-based habits significantly reduce UTI recurrence for most patients.
Drink 1.5–2 litres of water daily to flush the urinary tract
Urinate after sexual intercourse to reduce bacterial entry
Wipe front to back after using the toilet (women)
Avoid prolonged use of urinary catheters where possible
Complete the full antibiotic course — never stop early
Do not delay urination when you feel the urge
Treat constipation — it increases UTI risk in women and children
Report recurrent infections to a urologist — don't assume they are "just UTIs"
Patient questions
The classic early symptoms are a burning sensation during urination, a sudden strong urge to urinate, passing only small amounts each time, and feeling like the bladder is not empty after voiding. Some patients notice cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Mild uncomplicated UTIs may occasionally resolve without antibiotics, but this is unpredictable. Without treatment, a bladder infection can ascend to the kidneys, causing a much more serious infection. Antibiotic treatment under medical guidance is the safest approach.
Yes. UTIs are less common in men but do occur. In men under 50 without anatomical abnormality, a UTI should prompt investigation for an underlying cause such as prostate problems, stones or structural abnormality.
Recurrent UTIs (two or more in six months) have identifiable causes in many patients — kidney or bladder stones, incomplete bladder emptying, prostate enlargement, anatomical variation, or incomplete treatment. A urology workup identifies the contributing factor.
A UTI becomes serious when it involves the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or causes infection of the bloodstream (urosepsis). Warning signs: fever above 38°C, rigors, back or flank pain, vomiting, or confusion alongside urinary symptoms — seek emergency care immediately.
No. Antibiotics must be prescribed based on culture and sensitivity for your specific infection. Using the wrong antibiotic fails to cure the infection, promotes resistance, and delays correct diagnosis.
Clinical evaluation and culture-guided treatment at Dhanya Speciality Hospital, Rajapalayam — for first infections and recurring cases alike.