Is it safe to swim with a UTI — and do pools or the sea make it worse?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urinary tract. In this episode, we explain whether swimming affects recovery, common summer myths, and how UTIs are assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a UTI is (most commonly caused by E. coli bacteria)

• Typical symptoms: burning urination, urgency, frequency, lower abdominal pain

• Whether swimming worsens a bladder infection

• Pool hygiene, wet swimwear, and irritation risk

• Why hydration matters during recovery

• When antibiotics are clinically indicated

• When urine testing is recommended

• Red flag symptoms: fever, flank pain, nausea, pregnancy

• Situations where prescription requests may be  ...