A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms early to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading. Below are some of the most common symptoms of a UTI, how to identify them, and what they may indicate about the infection.
1. Frequent and Urgent Need to Urinate
A hallmark symptom of a UTI is an increased frequency of urination, often accompanied by a strong and urgent need to go to the bathroom. Even if only a small amount of urine is passed, the sensation of needing to urinate frequently can be distressing and persistent, especially at night.
2. Painful or Burning Sensation During Urination
A burning sensation while urinating, known as dysuria, is another telltale sign of a UTI. This discomfort is caused by the infection irritating the lining of the urinary tract, and it can range from mild to severe. The pain typically worsens during or at the end of urination.
3. Cloudy, Foul-Smelling, or Discolored Urine
One of the most noticeable symptoms is a change in the appearance and smell of your urine. The urine may become cloudy or murky, and it can emit a strong, unpleasant odor due to the presence of bacteria. In more severe cases, blood can be present in the urine, causing it to appear pink, red, or brown—a condition known as hematuria.
4. Lower Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area is a common symptom that occurs as the infection affects the bladder or urethra. This pain can vary from a dull, persistent ache to sharp sensations that may worsen with urination. Some individuals may also feel a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region.
5. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
Seeing blood in your urine can be a sign of a more serious UTI, especially if the infection has progressed to the bladder or kidneys. Hematuria may cause the urine to appear pink, red, or even brown. This symptom should be taken seriously and requires medical attention, as it can indicate a severe infection or even kidney stones.
6. Strong or Unpleasant Urine Odor
Along with changes in urine color, the odor of the urine can become much stronger and foul-smelling due to bacteria in the urinary tract. If the urine smells particularly strong or has an unpleasant “fishy” or “rotting” scent, it may indicate the presence of an infection.
7. Fatigue or General Malaise
General fatigue, lethargy, and a feeling of being unwell can accompany a UTI. This can occur as your body works to fight off the infection. A person with a UTI might feel unusually tired or sluggish, and in some cases, this can be accompanied by mild symptoms like headaches or body aches.
8. Back or Side Pain
Pain in the lower back or sides (flanks) may suggest that the infection has spread to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis (kidney infection). This pain can be intense and is usually accompanied by other more severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, or nausea.
9. Fever and Chills
A fever is a common sign that the infection has progressed or spread to the kidneys. Often accompanied by chills, fever can signal a serious UTI requiring prompt medical treatment. Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, can lead to higher fevers, severe discomfort, and other symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, and early treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading or leading to more severe complications, such as kidney infections. If the symptoms are severe or if you experience fever, chills, back pain, or blood in the urine, seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment for a UTI, especially if it progresses to a kidney infection, can lead to complications that are more difficult to treat.
