Bladder Infection Fact Sheet

Updated August 2025

Definition

Bladder infections occur when bacteria travel into the bladder which is normally sterile. They are also called urinary tract infections (UTIs) or cystitis.

Signs and Symptoms

The typical symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• pain or burning with urination (peeing)
• blood in the urine
• urinating a lot more often than usual
• an urgent need to urinate
• pain in the lower abdomen (stomach)

Additional more serious symptoms may include:

• nausea and/or vomiting
• fever or chills
• low back pain
• generally feeling unwell

Causes

Bladder infections occur when bacteria that normally live in the intestines get into the urethra (the tube that passes urine out of the body) and travel up into the bladder. A bladder infection can become quite painful. It can also become quite serious if the bacteria are able to travel further up to the kidneys.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider usually examines you and checks your urine sample for white blood cells and other indicators of infection. They may send a sample of your urine to the laboratory for further testing. The symptoms of a bladder infection can be similar to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is important to discuss appropriate STI testing with your health care provider.

Complications (that may arise)

In some cases, if a bladder infection is not treated, it can get worse and eventually lead to a kidney infection. Although most kidney infections do not cause permanent damage, delaying treatment can lead to complications. In pregnancy, bladder infections are more likely to travel to the kidneys and can cause serious damage if not treated.

Risk Factors

Bladder infections are very common in women. Women get them more often than men because the urethra is shorter in women.

Men may get bladder infections if there is a blockage of the urethra caused by a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate gland.

Treatment

If you think you have a bladder infection, see your health care provider as soon as possible. Once antibiotics are started your symptoms should resolve in a day or two. It is still important to finish all the treatment given to you even if you feel better. It is also helpful to drink lots of water, but this should not replace treatment.

Prevention

• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Drink plenty of water daily as this may help to flush out bacteria
• Women who get frequent bladder infections should speak to their health care provider about:

• • antibiotics daily or just after sex for prevention
  • a vaginal estrogen cream for post menopausal women

Information for Sexual Partners (for STIs)

Bladder infections are not passed from person to person. Treatment is not needed for your sexual partner.

For More Information

Call the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario at 416-392-2437 (1-800-668-2437) or visit toronto.ca/health

Safer sex: To reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.