Overview

• The European Association of Urology surveyed more than 3,000 adults in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, with findings released during Urology Week 2025.
• Thirty-five percent could not define cystitis as a bladder infection, and only 21% identified all three key prevention measures of hydration, front-to-back hygiene and urinating after sex.
• A gender gap persists in awareness, with 63% of women versus 38% of men recognizing that women face higher UTI risk, and only 51% overall acknowledging that women are more affected.
• Treatment misconceptions are common, as 16% believe antibiotics are always needed for UTIs and nearly half underestimate or do not recognize the challenge of antibiotic resistance.
• EAU experts highlight the global burden of more than 400 million people affected and about 240,000 deaths annually and call for public awareness campaigns and judicious antibiotic prescribing.