Understanding Urinary Tract Infection
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What is a UTI?
A simple guide to urinary tract infections, what to look for, and how the Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit helps you detect possible signs early.
Understanding UTIs
When bacteria enters your urinary system
A UTI happens when bacteria gets into your urinary system and causes an infection. Most of the time it affects the bladder (which is called cystitis), but sometimes it can affect the urethra or, in more serious cases, the kidneys.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from your gut, usually E. coli, that somehow makes its way into the urethra and travels up into the bladder.
Women are more prone to UTIs than men, mainly because of anatomy. The female urethra is shorter and sits closer to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel where it should not.
Signs to watch for
Common symptoms
UTIs can come on quite quickly. Some of the most common signs include:
A burning or stinging feeling when you pee
Needing to pee more often than usual
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Discomfort or pressure in your lower belly
Feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder
Blood in the urine (in some cases)
The test explained
What does the UTI test kit detect?
The Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit checks your urine for signs that may indicate a urinary tract infection. The test looks for four key indicators.
Nitrites
What it means: Some bacteria, like E. coli, convert nitrates in your urine into nitrites. The presence of nitrites often suggests a bacterial infection.
Why it matters: A positive result for nitrites is a strong indicator of a UTI.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
What it means: Leukocytes are white blood cells that your body sends to fight infection. When there is an infection in the urinary tract, these cells appear in your urine.
Why it matters: A positive result for leukocytes suggests your body is responding to an infection.
Protein
What it means: Small amounts of protein in urine can be normal, but higher levels may indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract or kidneys.
Why it matters: Protein in the urine can sometimes appear during a UTI, especially if the infection has affected the kidneys.
Blood
What it means: Blood in the urine can occur when the lining of the bladder or urethra becomes irritated or inflamed during an infection.
Why it matters: Blood in the urine is a common sign of a UTI, though it can also have other causes. If you see blood in your urine, follow up with a doctor.
Reading your results
What do the results mean?
Positive results for nitrites and/or leukocytes are strong indicators of a possible UTI.
Positive results for protein and/or blood can also suggest infection or inflammation.
If your test shows positive results, it is recommended to see a doctor for confirmation and treatment.
The test kit is designed to help you recognise possible signs of infection early, so you can seek medical advice sooner if needed.
Treatment
Most uncomplicated UTIs require prescription antibiotics
The Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is designed to help you detect possible signs early and have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
Stay well
Tips for preventing UTIs
Stay hydrated
Do not hold on when you need to urinate
Wipe front to back after use of the bathroom
Urinate after intercourse
Change condoms or wash genitals if switching between anal and vaginal intercourse
Always wash toys between activities to avoid cross-contamination
Take the next step with confidence
Shop the Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit for fast, discreet answers at home.
Shop the UTI KitEducation
What is a UTI?
A simple guide to urinary tract infections, what to look for, and how the Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit helps you detect possible signs early.
Understanding UTIs
When bacteria enters your urinary system
A UTI happens when bacteria gets into your urinary system and causes an infection. Most of the time it affects the bladder (which is called cystitis), but sometimes it can affect the urethra or, in more serious cases, the kidneys.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from your gut, usually E. coli, that somehow makes its way into the urethra and travels up into the bladder.
Women are more prone to UTIs than men, mainly because of anatomy. The female urethra is shorter and sits closer to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel where it should not.
Signs to watch for
Common symptoms
UTIs can come on quite quickly. Some of the most common signs include:
A burning or stinging feeling when you pee
Needing to pee more often than usual
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Discomfort or pressure in your lower belly
Feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder
Blood in the urine (in some cases)
The test explained
What does the UTI test kit detect?
The Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit checks your urine for signs that may indicate a urinary tract infection. The test looks for four key indicators.
Nitrites
What it means: Some bacteria, like E. coli, convert nitrates in your urine into nitrites. The presence of nitrites often suggests a bacterial infection.
Why it matters: A positive result for nitrites is a strong indicator of a UTI.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
What it means: Leukocytes are white blood cells that your body sends to fight infection. When there is an infection in the urinary tract, these cells appear in your urine.
Why it matters: A positive result for leukocytes suggests your body is responding to an infection.
Protein
What it means: Small amounts of protein in urine can be normal, but higher levels may indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract or kidneys.
Why it matters: Protein in the urine can sometimes appear during a UTI, especially if the infection has affected the kidneys.
Blood
What it means: Blood in the urine can occur when the lining of the bladder or urethra becomes irritated or inflamed during an infection.
Why it matters: Blood in the urine is a common sign of a UTI, though it can also have other causes. If you see blood in your urine, follow up with a doctor.
Reading your results
What do the results mean?
Positive results for nitrites and/or leukocytes are strong indicators of a possible UTI.
Positive results for protein and/or blood can also suggest infection or inflammation.
If your test shows positive results, it is recommended to see a doctor for confirmation and treatment.
The test kit is designed to help you recognise possible signs of infection early, so you can seek medical advice sooner if needed.
Treatment
Most uncomplicated UTIs require prescription antibiotics
The Intimedi UTI Rapid Test Kit is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is designed to help you detect possible signs early and have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
Stay well
Tips for preventing UTIs
Stay hydrated
Do not hold on when you need to urinate
Wipe front to back after use of the bathroom
Urinate after intercourse
Change condoms or wash genitals if switching between anal and vaginal intercourse
Always wash toys between activities to avoid cross-contamination