Question:
I have back pain, smelly urine and pain passing water. I have had this for the past eight weeks and it is not getting better. I thought it might be cystitis so I have been drinking plenty of water but nothing helps and the pain is getting worse.

Answer:

Sounds like you need to see your doctor ASAP. You may well be right … it might be cystitis (a bladder infection). This is often caused by bacteria like E coli, which can infect the bladder causing pain, urinary frequency, back ache and stinging on urination.

The best way to check for this is via a mid-stream urine test with your GP. This can then be sent to the lab to check for infections and if bugs are present the appropriate antibiotics can be recommended.

While it's true that sometimes a mild infection will pass with lots of water or via the help of cranberries, most established infections need antibiotics. Untreated, a bladder infection can spread to the kidneys, which then becomes more serious. Your doctor will also need to exclude other problems that may cause similar symptoms (for example conditions around the genital tract can also trigger pain or smell). Keep in mind; the sooner you see your GP, the sooner you will be back to good health.