12 Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can impact any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are more prevalent in women than in men, with nearly 50% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime.
Women have shorter urethras than men, making it easier for harmful bacteria to enter the body from the bowels. In uncomplicated cases, a urinary tract infection can be easily treated with prescribed medication. Identifying the symptoms can help doctors determine the severity of the infection, ensuring appropriate treatment.
Painful or Burning Sensation While Urinating
One of the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is experiencing a burning sensation while urinating. This occurs as urine travels through the ureters on its way to being expelled from the body. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which typically reside in the bowels, can be transferred from the anal area to the outer ureter during sexual activity or wiping after a bowel movement, potentially causing a UTI.
It’s crucial for women to always wipe front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria. If bacteria reach the ureters, infection and inflammation can occur. As urine passes through the inflamed ureters, it can cause significant pain and irritation.
Increased Urge to Urinate Frequently
Individuals suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs) often experience an increased need to visit the restroom, as the infection can prevent the bladder from fully emptying. This frequent urination could be attributed to a blockage, inflammation, an infection, or another underlying medical issue. A persistent urge to urinate serves as a key indicator of UTIs. In numerous cases, only small amounts of urine are passed, and the act of urination becomes even more uncomfortable due to an accompanying burning sensation.
Lower Back Pain or Discomfort
One common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is lower back pain, which can often be mistaken for muscular aches. As a result, individuals may attempt to use over-the-counter pain relievers, but these are typically ineffective in providing relief for UTI-related pain. If the pain is felt in the flanks, it could indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys. In such cases, prescription medications targeting the infection should alleviate this symptom. In the meantime, resting, staying hydrated, and limiting physical activity can help reduce discomfort.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can alter the characteristics of an individual’s urine. People suffering from a UTI may experience frequent urination but with a reduced volume of urine. Additionally, the urine might appear cloudy throughout the course of the infection and could give off an unpleasant odor.
Presence of Blood in Urine
In some uncommon instances, the urine may appear darker or even contain visible pus, which could be a result of blood in the urine. This may be an indication of a severe infection or other conditions impacting the urinary tract. If left untreated, these serious infections can lead to complications, such as kidney damage.
Pain or Discomfort in the Genital Area
In certain instances, individuals may experience discomfort in the pelvic region, encompassing the genital area, even when they are not urinating. This type of pain usually presents as a constant, dull ache that is difficult to disregard. Once an appropriate treatment regimen is initiated, the pain should gradually subside. However, if the discomfort persists beyond two days following the commencement of treatment, it is highly recommended that the individual consults with a medical professional for further investigation. While discomfort is a common reaction to various issues, a continuous pain without an identifiable cause could signify that something is amiss.
Persistent Fever
An infection in the upper urinary tract can lead to common symptoms such as fever and chills, which can sometimes hinder an accurate diagnosis due to their generic nature. If you experience these symptoms along with other signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s crucial to provide your doctor with a comprehensive list of all your symptoms. This clear communication will help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Feeling Nauseous
When a urinary tract infection starts to affect kidney function, the person may experience nausea, which can occur regardless of food intake. In some instances, this nausea can lead to vomiting. Gradually consuming bland foods might help prevent the nausea from worsening, but it’s unlikely to completely alleviate the nauseous sensation.
Experiencing Vomiting
While some individuals with urinary tract infections (UTIs) may experience nausea leading to vomiting, persistent symptoms despite treatment can be worrisome. A more severe infection than initially thought might necessitate a change in medication to guarantee a complete recovery for the patient.
Unusual Discharge
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) often cause changes in normal urethral discharge, such as alterations in appearance, texture, and odor. This abnormal discharge can affect both men and women. Typically, the discharge will not persist after recovering from the infection; however, if it does, further investigation is needed. Individuals experiencing abnormal discharge should undergo testing to eliminate the possibility of other conditions, including yeast infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
Painful Intercourse
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can significantly heighten the sensitivity of the urethra as a result of persistent irritation and inflammation. During sexual activity, the areas surrounding the urethra are subjected to constant friction, leading to discomfort if the urethra is inflamed.
For women, the pain during a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be even more intense due to the pressure on the internal walls of the vagina, which can push on the bladder. Moreover, engaging in sexual intercourse while having a UTI may introduce more bacteria into the urethra, exacerbating the infection and increasing the pain.
Involuntary Urine Leakage
When you urinate, your brain communicates with muscles surrounding the urinary tract, contracting the bladder and expelling urine through the urethra. However, when bacteria causing a urinary tract infection (UTI) spread from the urethral opening to the bladder, they can trigger inflammation and swelling. This, in turn, increases pressure on the organ and may lead to unintended urine leakage, even without the typical signals from the brain.
