•  A strong need to pass urine.

•  You pass urine more often than usual.

•  A sharp pain or burning feeling when you pass urine.

•  Bloody or cloudy urine.

•  It feels like your bladder is still full after you pass urine.

•  Pain in the abdomen, back, or sides.

•  Chills. Fever.

•  Nausea or vomiting.

•  A change in mental status, especially if you are over age 70.

•  Sexually active females.

•  Females who use a diaphragm for birth control.

•  Males and females who have had UTIs in the past.

•  Anyone with a condition that doesn’t allow urine to pass freely. An enlarged prostate gland (in males) and kidney stones are examples.

•  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

•  Don’t have alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine.

•  Get plenty of rest.

•  Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain or one that relieves pain and spasms that come with a bladder infection (e.g., Uristat). {Note: Uristat helps with symptoms, but doesn’t get rid of the infection. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.}

•  Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Empty your bladder all the way.

•  Don’t have sex until the infection is cleared up.

•  Drink plenty of water and other fluids every day.

•  Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge.

•  Drink a glass of water before you have sex. Go to the bathroom as soon as you can after sex.

•  If you’re prone to UTIs, don’t take bubble baths.

•  If you’re female, wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This helps keep bacteria away from the opening of the urethra. If you use a diaphragm, clean it after each use. Have your health care provider check your diaphragm periodically to make sure it fits properly.