Main Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

This article is not only about urinary tract infection symptoms, but also its causes, treatments and other important topics. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent infections affecting the urinary system, encompassing various components within it.

Typically caused by bacteria, notably Escherichia coli (E. coli), UTIs present with symptoms such as frequent urination, discomfort during urination, and localized pain in the side or lower back region. Fortunately, the majority of UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

What Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when germs get into your pee system and cause an infection. Your pee system includes parts like your urethra, kidneys, and bladder.

When these germs infect different parts of your pee system, they can cause urethritis (infection in the urethra), pyelonephritis (infection in the kidneys), or cystitis (infection in the bladder).

Your pee system is like a factory that makes and stores pee, which is a waste product filtered from your blood by your kidneys. Your kidneys, two small organs located in your lower back, work like filters, cleaning out waste and extra water from your blood to make pee.

The pee travels from your kidneys through thin tubes called ureters to your bladder, a stretchy bag that holds pee until you’re ready to go to the bathroom. When it’s time to pee, the pee moves from your bladder through a tube called the urethra and out of your body.

Normally, pee moves through your pee system without any trouble. But sometimes, bacteria can sneak in, causing UTIs.

These infections can lead to symptoms like needing to pee a lot, feeling pain or burning when you pee, or having pain in your lower back or side. UTIs are usually treated with medicines called antibiotics, which help kill the germs causing the infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common, particularly among women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). It’s estimated that around half of AFAB individuals will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime.

However, it’s important to note that UTIs can also affect men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB), as well as children, although they are less common in this group, occurring in only 1% to 2% of children.

Every year, healthcare providers attend to a significant number of UTI cases, with approximately 8 million to 10 million people seeking treatment for UTIs. This highlights the widespread impact and importance of addressing UTIs as a prevalent health concern.

Urinary Tract Symptoms and Causes

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can bring about various symptoms, signaling inflammation along the lining of your urinary tract. These symptoms often include:

1. Pain: You may experience discomfort or pain in different areas such as your flank, abdomen, pelvic region, or lower back.
2. Pressure: Feeling pressure in the lower part of your pelvis can be another indication of a UTI.
3. Urine changes: UTIs can lead to alterations in your urine, such as cloudiness or a foul odor.
4. Urinary incontinence: Difficulty controlling your bladder, resulting in involuntary urine leakage, is a common symptom.
5. Frequent urination: An increased need to urinate, even when your bladder isn’t full, is a typical sign of a UTI.
6. Dysuria: Pain or discomfort during urination, known as dysuria, is often experienced with UTIs.
7. Hematuria: Blood in the urine, visible either by color changes or detected through microscopic examination, can indicate a UTI.

Additional symptoms associated with UTIs may include:

1. Pain in the penis: Men may experience pain or discomfort in the penis during a UTI episode.
2. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or experiencing unusual levels of fatigue can accompany a UTI.
3. Fever: A fever, often accompanied by chills, may develop as the body’s immune response fights the infection.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals with UTIs may experience symptoms of nausea and may even vomit.
5. Mental changes: In severe cases or in older adults, UTIs can lead to mental changes or confusion.

Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent complications associated with UTIs.

How do you get a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically caused by microorganisms, primarily bacteria, which enter the urinary system. These microorganisms commonly enter through the urethra and may initially infect the bladder. From there, the infection can ascend through the ureters, eventually reaching the kidneys.

What is the major cause of a urinary tract infection?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the predominant cause of bladder infections, accounting for more than 90% of cases. E. coli bacteria are typically found in the lower intestines, particularly the large intestine.

Who is at the greatest risk of getting a urinary tract infection?

While anyone can develop a urinary tract infection, individuals with a vagina are at higher risk. This heightened risk is primarily due to the anatomical differences in the urinary tract. In people assigned female at birth (AFAB), the urethra is shorter and situated closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria commonly reside.

Can you get a UTI from fingers?

Yes, it’s possible to acquire a UTI from your fingers. Hands can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms picked up from various surfaces. Accidental introduction of these microorganisms to the urethra can occur during bathroom visits or through sexual activities, including masturbation or fingering.

To minimize the risk of UTIs, it’s advisable to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly before and after using the bathroom or engaging in sexual activities.

How do you know if you have a UTI?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, including asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing a physical examination. Additionally, they may recommend specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What tests will be done to diagnose a urinary tract infection?

To diagnose a UTI, your healthcare provider may order the following tests:

1. Urinalysis: This involves providing a urine sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. Technicians examine the urine for various indicators of a UTI, including the presence of nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and white blood cells.
2. Urine culture: In this test, a urine sample is collected and sent to a laboratory, where it is cultured to identify any bacteria present. This helps determine the most appropriate treatment for the infection.

If your symptoms persist or if there are complications, your provider may recommend additional tests to assess your urinary tract:

• Ultrasound: This imaging test allows your provider to visualize your internal organs without any discomfort or preparation. It helps in assessing the condition of your urinary tract.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is a more detailed imaging test that provides cross-sectional images of your body. It offers a comprehensive view of the urinary system and can detect abnormalities with greater precision than a standard X-ray.
• Cystoscopy: During a cystoscopy, a thin instrument called a cystoscope is inserted through your urethra to examine the interior of your bladder. This procedure helps identify any abnormalities or underlying issues within the bladder.

How to Feel Better

If your healthcare provider prescribes antibiotics for your urinary tract infection (UTI), follow these guidelines to ensure effective treatment and promote recovery:

• Take antibiotics as prescribed: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely regarding dosage and duration. Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
• Avoid sharing antibiotics: Never share your prescribed antibiotics with others, as each person’s infection may require a specific treatment regimen.
• Do not save antibiotics: Dispose of any leftover antibiotics safely as instructed by your healthcare provider. Storing antibiotics for future use can lead to misuse and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other fluids to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Your healthcare provider may also recommend medications to alleviate pain or discomfort associated with the UTI.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs), consider the following preventive measures:

• Urinate after sexual activity: Voiding the bladder after sexual intercourse can help flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sex.
• Stay well hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water and fluids helps maintain urinary tract health by diluting urine and promoting regular urination, which can flush out bacteria.
• Take showers instead of baths: Bathing in tubs can potentially introduce bacteria into the urethra, increasing the risk of UTIs. Opt for showers as a cleaner alternative.
• Minimize genital area products: Avoid using douches, sprays, or powders in the genital area, as these products can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase susceptibility to infections.
• Teach proper hygiene: Educate girls during potty training to wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This practice helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urinary tract, reducing the risk of UTIs.

Additional considerations for frequent UTIs

If you experience recurrent UTIs, your healthcare provider may conduct further tests to evaluate potential underlying health conditions.

These tests may include screening for diabetes or assessing the structure and function of your urinary system to identify factors contributing to the recurrent infections.

What is the best thing to do for a urinary tract infection?

If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider is crucial. UTIs typically require antibiotics for effective treatment, so your provider will prescribe the most suitable antibiotic based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Once you have a prescription, it’s essential to follow the instructions meticulously. Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before finishing them. Failure to complete the course can lead to the infection returning and becoming more challenging to treat.

For individuals prone to recurrent UTIs, healthcare providers may recommend various strategies, including daily or intermittent antibiotic use or post-intercourse antibiotic prophylaxis.

Discussing your history of frequent UTIs with your provider will help determine the best treatment approach for you.

What specific antibiotics are used to treat a urinary tract infection?

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for UTIs include:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs), like sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins, such as cephalexin
• Doxycycline
• Fosfomycin
• Quinolones, like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin

In cases of recurrent UTIs, providers may prescribe low-dose antibiotics for a short duration to prevent recurrence. However, this approach is not widespread due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and the risk of developing other infections, such as C. difficile colitis.

Can I become immune to the antibiotics used to treat a UTI?

While you don’t become immune to antibiotics, repeated antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, making the infection more challenging to treat. Therefore, healthcare providers may explore alternative treatments for frequent UTIs, such as:

• Watchful waiting: Monitoring symptoms without immediate antibiotic intervention, coupled with increased fluid intake to flush out the urinary system.
• Intravenous (IV) treatment: In complex cases or when the UTI is resistant to oral antibiotics, hospitalization may be necessary for IV antibiotic administration. Following hospitalization, oral antibiotics may be continued at home to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Does cranberry juice prevent a urinary tract infection?

Regular cranberry juice from the grocery store isn’t proven to prevent UTIs. However, cranberry extract supplements in pill form may reduce the risk of UTIs. Another alternative for those prone to UTIs is methenamine hippurate, a non-antibiotic medication that can help prevent infections.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

While minor UTIs may improve without treatment, most UTIs require antibiotics to resolve fully. Antibiotics are especially necessary if you experience symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting alongside the UTI.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Most people start feeling better within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment for a UTI. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated.

Prevention

Can I prevent a urinary tract infection?

Several lifestyle changes can help prevent UTIs:

• Practice good hygiene: Especially crucial for individuals with a vagina due to the shorter urethra. Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements and avoid using vaginal deodorants. Regularly change menstrual products during your cycle.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
• Maintain healthy peeing habits: Frequent urination helps eliminate bacteria from the body. Pee before and after sex to flush out bacteria introduced during sexual activity.
• Consider birth control: Diaphragm use can increase UTI risk; discuss alternative birth control options with your healthcare provider.
• Use water-based lubricants: During sex, opt for water-based lubricants and avoid spermicides if prone to UTIs.
• Choose comfortable clothing: Loose-fitting, cotton underwear and clothing can prevent moisture buildup around the urethra, reducing bacterial growth.
• Consider medications: Postmenopausal individuals may benefit from vaginal estrogen creams to modify vaginal pH. Over-the-counter supplements like cranberry extract and probiotics may also help; consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have a urinary tract infection?

The outlook for UTIs is generally positive. With proper treatment, most UTIs respond well, and symptoms improve rapidly.

Completing the full course of antibiotics prescribed is crucial. If you experience recurrent or resistant infections, further testing and alternative treatments may be necessary, including IV antibiotics or other interventions.

When should I go to the doctor for a UTI?

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider promptly.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a UTI and your symptoms worsen despite treatment, you should also seek medical attention. Your provider may need to adjust your treatment plan.

When should I go to the ER?

Visit the emergency room if you have a UTI and develop symptoms like fever, severe back pain, or persistent vomiting. These symptoms may indicate a more severe infection or complications that require immediate medical attention.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

When discussing your UTI with your healthcare provider, consider asking the following questions:

• How was the diagnosis of my UTI made?
• If not a UTI, what other condition could be causing my symptoms?
• Which bacteria are responsible for my UTI, and what antibiotic will be prescribed for treatment?
• Are there any specific instructions I should follow while taking antibiotics?
• How long will it take for me to feel better?
• Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
• What can I do at home to alleviate my symptoms?

Additional Common Questions

What is the difference between a urinary tract infection and cystitis?

A UTI refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Cystitis is a specific type of UTI characterized by an infection in the bladder. Essentially, cystitis is a subtype of UTI and is the most common form.

How can you tell the difference between a urinary tract infection and a bladder infection?

While a UTI encompasses infections throughout the urinary tract, including the bladder, a bladder infection specifically refers to an infection localized in the bladder, leading to inflammation known as cystitis.

Not all UTIs progress to bladder infections, but it’s essential to treat UTIs promptly to prevent potential complications, such as the infection spreading to the kidneys, resulting in a more severe condition known as pyelonephritis or kidney infection.

SEE MORE