Urinary tract infection in Oslo
A urinary tract infection is a common infection of the urinary tract that often causes a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Symptoms can develop quickly, and if they are pronounced, a urine test and assessment of treatment may be appropriate.
At Easy Clinic, you can have symptoms of a urinary tract infection assessed, provide a urine sample if necessary and receive treatment if the doctor considers it appropriate.
Appointment booking
At Easy Clinic, you can have symptoms of a urinary tract infection assessed, provide a urine sample if necessary and receive treatment if the doctor considers it appropriate.
Appointment booking
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The most common form is cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder. The condition is particularly common in women, but men, pregnant women, older people and children can also develop a urinary tract infection.
A urinary tract infection can be uncomfortable, but it is usually straightforward to treat when properly assessed. Sometimes the symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, so a urine test may be useful to confirm the suspected diagnosis.
A urinary tract infection can be uncomfortable, but it is usually straightforward to treat when properly assessed. Sometimes the symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, so a urine test may be useful to confirm the suspected diagnosis.
Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but typical signs of a urinary tract infection include:
Some people experience mild symptoms, while others develop pronounced symptoms quickly. Fever, chills, nausea, feeling generally unwell or pain in the back or flank may indicate that the infection has spread higher into the urinary tract. In this case, you should contact a doctor promptly.
When should you contact a doctor?
You should consider seeking medical advice if you have clear symptoms of a urinary tract infection, if the symptoms do not resolve, or if you have previously had urinary tract infections that required treatment.
It is especially important to contact a doctor if you suspect a urinary tract infection and you:
It is especially important to contact a doctor if you suspect a urinary tract infection and you:
Urine test for a suspected urinary tract infection
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, the doctor may assess whether a urine test is needed. A urine test can provide useful information about signs of infection, and in some cases the sample is sent for culture to identify the bacteria causing it.
Whether a urine test is necessary depends on factors including your symptoms, age, sex, pregnancy, previous infections and the severity of your symptoms.
Whether a urine test is necessary depends on factors including your symptoms, age, sex, pregnancy, previous infections and the severity of your symptoms.
Treatment of a urinary tract infection
Treatment for a urinary tract infection is assessed based on your symptoms, urine test results and overall health. Many urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, but antibiotics are not always necessary. The doctor will determine the appropriate treatment in each individual case.
If antibiotics are needed, the choice of treatment will depend on factors including your symptoms, previous infections, pregnancy, allergies and national guidelines on antibiotic use.
It is important to follow the treatment as advised by the doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or return soon after treatment, you should contact a doctor again.
If antibiotics are needed, the choice of treatment will depend on factors including your symptoms, previous infections, pregnancy, allergies and national guidelines on antibiotic use.
It is important to follow the treatment as advised by the doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or return soon after treatment, you should contact a doctor again.
What can you do yourself?
For mild symptoms, it may help to drink a normal amount of fluids, urinate when you need to and avoid holding your urine for long periods. You should also monitor whether the symptoms worsen or whether you develop a fever, back pain or feel generally unwell.
Self-care measures may provide some relief, but you should seek a medical assessment if your symptoms are pronounced or persistent.
Self-care measures may provide some relief, but you should seek a medical assessment if your symptoms are pronounced or persistent.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Some people develop urinary tract infections repeatedly. If you experience recurrent symptoms, it may be appropriate to review the pattern, previous treatment, urine test results and possible triggers. The aim is to identify the right treatment and reduce the risk of further infections.
Urinary tract infections in men
Urinary tract infections in men should generally be assessed by a doctor. The symptoms may resemble cystitis, but they can also have other causes. In some cases, a urine test, urine culture or further assessment may be required.
Urinary tract infections during pregnancy
Pregnant women should contact a doctor if they suspect a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections during pregnancy are assessed particularly carefully, and treatment may be important even when symptoms are mild.
Frequently asked questions about urinary tract infections in Oslo
Can a urinary tract infection go away on its own?
Some mild cases may resolve without antibiotics, but you should contact a doctor for an assessment if you have pronounced symptoms, persistent discomfort or risk factors.
How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?
Typical symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination and discomfort in the lower abdomen. A urine test can help confirm the suspected diagnosis.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not always. The doctor will assess whether antibiotics are needed based on your symptoms, urine test results and overall health.
How quickly does treatment work?
Many people begin to feel better soon after starting the appropriate treatment, but this varies. If you do not improve or your symptoms worsen, you should contact a doctor again.
When is a urinary tract infection more serious?
Fever, chills, nausea, pain in the back or flank, or feeling generally unwell may indicate a more serious infection. In this case, you should contact a doctor promptly.
