# UTIs: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya

_A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or, less often, the kidneys. Signs, risk factors, screening and next steps in Kenya._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/utis

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or, less often, the kidneys. UTIs are common, especially in women, and are usually treated with antibiotics after a urine test. Common signs include pain or burning when urinating; needing to urinate often or suddenly; and cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine.

**Hours to wait before getting checked if UTI symptoms don't improve:** 48
_Sooner if pregnant, feverish or in back pain. NHS._

**Urinary tract infections: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Anyone with UTI symptoms: a urine test (dipstick or culture) | Urine dipstick or urine culture | Confidential sexual and urinary health check | Confidential sexual and urinary health check, KES 500 |

## UTIs: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya: your questions answered

**Q: What is UTIs?**

A: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or, less often, the kidneys. UTIs are common, especially in women, and are usually treated with antibiotics after a urine test.

**Q: What are the signs of UTIs?**

A: Pain or burning when urinating. Needing to urinate often or suddenly. Cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine. Pain low in the stomach. Fever, shivering or pain in the back below the ribs if the kidneys are involved.

**Q: Who is most at risk?**

A: Being a woman: the urethra is shorter. Sex, especially with a new partner. Pregnancy. Diabetes. Not drinking enough fluids. A weak immune system.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Fever, shivering, back pain below the ribs, confusion, or symptoms in pregnancy mean you should see a clinician the same day: the infection may have reached the kidneys.

**Q: How is UTIs checked?**

A: With urine dipstick or urine culture. Anyone with UTI symptoms: a urine test (dipstick or culture).

**Q: What happens after a high-risk result?**

A: A urine test to confirm the infection. Antibiotics if a clinician prescribes them. A check for STIs if symptoms could be either. A follow-up if symptoms come back. A risk result is not a diagnosis.

**Q: What should I ask my doctor?**

A: Is this a UTI or an STI? Do I need a urine culture? Why do my UTIs keep coming back? Is this antibiotic safe in pregnancy?

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: A urine test is quick and inexpensive at most clinics and laboratories.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: The confidential sexual and urinary health check tells a likely UTI from a possible STI or kidney infection, so you get the right test: a urine dipstick or culture, an STI test, or same-day review. It costs KES 500. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Urinary tract infections](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/)
- [World Health Organization, Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis))

## More on this condition

- [How to lower your risk of UTIs | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/utis/prevention)
- [Testing for UTIs in Kenya: when and how | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/utis/screening)