Do you have to use the bathroom frequently? You may have a urinary tract infection. Here are 9 signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect components of the urinary system, which include the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. While men can also experience the condition, it is more common in women. About half of all women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.
Since female urethrae are shorter than male urethrae, the risk of harmful bacteria entering the body increases. However, UTIs are not necessarily severe, and uncomplicated cases can be treated with prescription medications.
A doctor can help determine the severity of the condition by knowing the symptoms. If you experience any of the following, talk to a doctor to determine the best treatment method.
1. Burning Sensation
A burning sensation during urination is the most common sign of a UTI. To illustrate how it can happen, keep in mind that Escherichia coli (E.coli) resides in the bowels and can be transferred to the outer ureter either during sex or after wiping a bowel movement.
Once the bacteria reach the ureters, it infects them and causes inflammation. As a result, when urine passes through the ureters on its way out, you can feel a painful burning sensation. One way to avoid this is by wiping from front to back.
2. Frequent Urination
Because of the infection, individuals with UTIs are incapable of completely emptying their bowels. As a result, they tend to use the bathroom more frequently due to blockage or inflammation.
Having a strong urge to urinate more is a staple of UTIs as usually only a small amount of urine passes through the body. Moreover, due to the burning sensation, you’ll find it uncomfortable to urinate frequently.
3. Back Pain
Another common symptom people experience when they have a UTI is lower back pain that resembles muscular aches. If you’re experiencing back pain due to a urinary tract infection, it’s likely that over-the-counter relief medications won’t be of much help.
Instead, prescription medications for the infection can be more effective as lower back pain can be a sign that the infection has spread to the kidneys. Additionally, you may reduce some discomfort by resting, staying hydrated, and restricting your movement.
4. Urine Quality
UTIs can change your urine’s quality by reducing the output and giving it a cloudy look. Furthermore, your urine may contain visible pus or be darker due to blood, but these cases are rare.
However, if there is blood in your urine, it can be a sign of either a serious infection or another urinary tract disease. If you notice darker urine due to blood, seek urgent care, as this may be a sign of a severe infection that can lead to kidney damage.
5. Genital Pain
Some people with UTIs may experience a dull, persistent ache in the pelvis and genital area, even if they’re not urinating. Usually, the pain should subside once the treatment begins; if it doesn’t, tell your doctor so they can examine it further. While discomfort is typical, ongoing pain that doesn’t seem to have an identifiable source can be a sign that something is wrong.
6. Fever
Other symptoms of upper urinary tract infection include fever and chills, which can affect an accurate diagnosis due to their generic nature. For this reason, it’s important that you disclose all your symptoms so that your doctor can get a complete picture of your situation and give you the best treatment.
7. Nausea
If a UTI gets to the kidneys, you can expect nausea that leads to vomiting, whether you’ve eaten food or not. One way to prevent nausea from getting worse is to slowly eat bland foods. However, it’s likely that this will stop the nauseous feeling, which is why treatment is necessary.
8. Vomiting
As mentioned, some UTIs can lead to nausea and vomiting. However, if you’re still nauseous and vomiting after treatment, it can be concerning. In these cases, the infection may be more severe than initially thought, which means different medications are necessary.
9. Urinary Discharge
Many people with urinary tract infections have discharge that’s different from normal urethral secretions. Changes in appearance, texture, and color can affect both men and women.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll experience abnormal discharge after treatment, let your doctor know if it’s still happening. In these cases, it’s important to rule out other conditions like sexually transmitted infections and yeast infections.
