Why winter makes UTIs a real pain

Uncomfortable urinary tract infections are rampant but you can take action to cut your risk.

- By MATT NIXSON

URINARY tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common reasons people visit their GP or pharmacist, accounting for 23% of all infections. And cystitis is top of the list.

Symptoms such as a burning sensation when you pee, constant trips to the loo and dark, cloudy urine with a strong smell could all signal a cystitis infection - which can also cause lower tummy pain, fever, incontinence and a general feeling of being unwell.

"One in three women will develop a UTI during their lifetime," explains women's health expert Dr Janine David.

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enters your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. This often happens if bacteria from your rectum or vagina spread to the opening of your urethra. The resulting acidic urine causes the familiar pain when you pee.

Women are up to 30 times more likely to suffer than men because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Pregnancy and menopause also both increase risk.