What are some symptoms of a urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection that occurs in the urinary system. This could include the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Most infections involve the bladder and urethra, known as the lower urinary tract.

The most common symptoms include painful urination, tenderness above the bladder area, urgency and frequency of urination. Cloudy and a strong odor are not signs of infection.

Women are at greater risk for a UTI because the urethra is shorter than in men, so it's easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. UTIs also are more common in postmenopausal women because low estrogen levels change vaginal and urethral tissue to increase the risk of infection.

It's always better to prevent an infection rather than simply treat it. UTIs are no different.

Follow these tips to lower your risk of a UTI with little or no potential negative side effects:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
    This helps keep bladder tissue hydrated and healthy. It also dilutes your urine and lowers the concentration of bacteria in the bladder. Some people can clear an infection on their own just by drinking fluids. Try drinking at least 50 ounces, or about 1.5 liters, of fluid daily to prevent infections.
  • Empty your bladder often.
    Regularly emptying your bladder ensures urine is not sitting in your bladder for long periods of time. Since bacteria like warm and wet environments to grow, this takes away good living conditions for the bacteria. It's normal to empty your bladder four to eight times per day.
  • Urinate soon after sex.
    The act of intercourse can cause bacteria to get close to or into the urethra, the small tube that empties your bladder. Voiding after intercourse removes some of the bacteria before it can cause an infection.
  • Take cranberry supplements.
    While cranberry supplements have not been shown in studies to prevent urinary tract infections, there is a reasonable biologic mechanism that using them could be helpful. If you would like to try this option, consider a concentrated over-the-counter cranberry supplement instead of cranberry juice. It likely provides more benefit and reduces extra sugar typically found in juice.
  • Wipe front to back.
    Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.

If you have two or more infections in six months, consider talking with your health care team about recurrent UTIs. Your health care team will review your medical history and medications, and complete a thorough physical exam.

Risk factors for recurrent UTIs include:

  • Frequent sexual intercourse, which increases the likelihood of bacteria entering the urethra and bladder.
  • Using spermicide with or without a diaphragm, as this can harm protective bacteria in the urinary tract that defend against infection.
  • Urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying caused by medications; narrowing of the urethra; prolapse of the bladder, uterus or vagina; neurological conditions; or sometimes unknown reasons.
  • Vaginal atrophy, which is a postmenopausal condition caused by decreased estrogen levels.
  • Genetics, especially the inherited genes that regulate the body's immune response to infections.

It's common for some people to have bacteria in their urine but not experience any symptoms. In these cases, no treatment is necessary.

Talk with your health care team if you think you have a UTI. You may need an appointment to discuss your symptoms and collect a urine sample.

You should seek medical attention if you develop a fever, chills, disorientation, or back or side pain. These could be signs of a kidney infection, which requires treatment, or a systemic infection of the bloodstream that requires hospitalization.

Sarah Suarez is a physician assistant in OB-GYN in La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.


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About urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.

Anyone can get them, but they're particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly (called recurrent UTIs).

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children.

This page covers:

Symptoms

When to get medical advice

Treatment

Causes

Prevention

Symptoms of UTIs

Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) are known as lower UTIs. These can cause:

  • a need to pee more often than usual
  • pain or discomfort when peeing
  • sudden urges to pee
  • feeling as though you're unable to empty your bladder fully
  • pain low down in your tummy
  • urine that's cloudy, foul-smelling or contains blood
  • feeling generally unwell, achy and tired

Infections of the kidneys or ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder) are known as upper UTIs. These can cause the above symptoms and also:

  • a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4ºF) or above
  • pain in your sides or back
  • shivering and chills
  • feeling and being sick
  • confusion
  • agitation or restlessness

Lower UTIs are common and aren't usually a cause for major concern. Upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as they could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream.

UTI self-help guide

Complete this guide to assess your symptoms and find out if you should visit your GP, pharmacist or treat your condition at home.

Self-help guide: Urinary infection

When to get medical advice

It's a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:

  • you have symptoms of an upper UTI (see above)
  • the symptoms are severe or getting worse
  • the symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days
  • you get UTIs frequently

Your GP can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine and can prescribe antibiotics if you do have an infection.

Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they're allowed to spread.

Treatment for UTIs

UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics.

Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course.

Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment. But make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better.

Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better.

Return to your GP if your symptoms don't improve, get worse or come back after treatment.

Pharmacy First: UTI treatment from your local pharmacy

Women between 16 to 65 years with uncomplicated UTIs can seek advice and treatment directly from their pharmacist through the Pharmacy First scheme. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service directory.

Pharmacies

Causes of UTIs

UTIs occur when the urinary tract becomes infected, usually by bacteria. In most cases, bacteria from the gut enter the urinary tract through the urethra.

This may occur when wiping your bottom or having sex, for example, but often it's not clear why it happens.

The following may increase your risk of getting a UTI:

  • conditions that obstruct your urinary tract, such as kidney stones
  • difficulty emptying your bladder fully
  • using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms coated in spermicide
  • diabetes
  • a weak immune system – from chemotherapy or HIV, for example 
  • a urinary catheter (a tube in your bladder used to drain urine)
  • an enlarged prostate gland in men

Women may be more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man's and is closer to their anus (back passage).

Preventing UTIs

If you get UTIs frequently, there are some things you can try that may stop it coming back. However, it's not clear how effective most of these measures are.

These measures include:

  • avoiding perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals – use plain, unperfumed varieties, and have a shower rather than a bath
  • going to the toilet as soon as you need to pee and always emptying your bladder fully
  • staying well hydrated 
  • wiping your bottom from front to back when you go to the toilet
  • emptying your bladder as soon as possible after having sex
  • not using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant on them – you may wish to use another method of contraception instead
  • wearing underwear made from cotton, rather than synthetic material such as nylon, and avoiding tight jeans and trousers

Speak to your GP if these measures don't work. They may suggest taking a long-term course of antibiotics or they may give you a prescription for antibiotics you can use as soon as you experience symptoms of a UTI.

There's currently little evidence to suggest that drinking cranberry juice or using probiotics significantly reduces your chances of getting UTIs.

What are three signs of a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms.
Pain or burning while urinating..
Frequent urination..
Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder..
Bloody urine..
Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen..

How do I know I got a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms.
A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away..
A burning feeling when urinating..
Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine..
Urine that looks cloudy..
Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — signs of blood in the urine..
Strong-smelling urine..

What are the two common symptoms of urinary tract infection?

You may have a UTI if you notice:.
Pain or burning when you urinate..
Fever, tiredness, or shakiness..
An urge to urinate often..
Pressure in your lower belly..
Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish..
Pain in your back or side below the ribs..