What Is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is the most common type of UTI.
UTIs are common, but they should not be ignored. An infection that begins in the bladder can sometimes spread to the kidneys and become more serious.
Recognizing UTI symptoms early can help you get the appropriate testing and treatment before complications develop.
Common UTI Symptoms in Adults
UTI symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is located. A bladder infection commonly causes urinary and lower abdominal symptoms.
Common urinary tract infection symptoms include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- A strong or sudden urge to urinate
- Feeling like you need to urinate even when your bladder is nearly empty
- Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
These symptoms can occur individually or together.
If you notice several of these symptoms, especially burning urination combined with increased frequency or pelvic discomfort, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
Burning When You Urinate? Don’t Ignore It
One of the most recognizable signs of a UTI is a burning sensation while urinating.
You may also notice that you are making frequent trips to the bathroom but only passing a small amount of urine.
It can be tempting to wait for these symptoms to disappear on their own. However, if the symptoms are caused by a bacterial UTI, appropriate medical evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed.
Other conditions, including some sexually transmitted infections and other urinary problems, can cause symptoms similar to a UTI. A healthcare professional can help determine the underlying cause.
Is Blood in Your Urine a Sign of a UTI?
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, can occur with a bladder infection.
However, blood in the urine should not automatically be assumed to be caused by a UTI. Other urinary conditions can also cause blood in the urine.
If you notice blood in your urine, particularly if you do not have a confirmed UTI, medical evaluation is important.
When a UTI May Be Turning Into a Kidney Infection
One of the most important reasons to seek timely UTI treatment is that a bladder infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys.
A kidney infection may cause more severe symptoms than a typical bladder infection.
Warning signs can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in the back or side
- Pain in the groin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Painful or frequent urination
- Blood or cloudy urine
Kidney infections require prompt medical attention because untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
If you have UTI symptoms along with fever, chills, back or side pain, or vomiting, don’t wait to see if the symptoms resolve on their own. Seek medical care promptly.
How Are UTIs Diagnosed?
When you visit a healthcare provider for possible UTI symptoms, your provider will typically review your symptoms and medical history and may perform a physical examination.
Urine testing can help determine whether an infection is present.
Common UTI tests include:
Urinalysis:
This test examines a urine sample for signs that may indicate infection, including blood and white blood cells.
Urine culture:
A urine culture can identify bacteria in the urine and may help determine which antibiotics are appropriate when treatment is needed.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, additional testing may sometimes be necessary.
What Is UTI Treatment?
When a bacterial UTI is diagnosed, healthcare professionals commonly treat it with antibiotics.
The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment can vary depending on factors such as the infection, medical history, allergies, and other individual circumstances.
It is important to:
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
- Do not share antibiotics with someone else
- Do not use leftover antibiotics from a previous infection
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions
- Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve
Antibiotics are not appropriate for every situation, so proper evaluation is important rather than taking medication without medical advice. The CDC specifically recommends using antibiotics when they are needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Can Drinking Water Help a UTI?
Staying adequately hydrated is important for overall urinary health, and drinking fluids may help relieve symptoms and support recovery.
Water is generally the best choice for hydration.
However, drinking water should not be considered a substitute for medical evaluation or prescribed treatment when you have a bacterial UTI.
If your symptoms are significant or worsening, contact a healthcare professional.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for a UTI?
UTI urgent care can be an appropriate option when you have symptoms that need timely medical evaluation but are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
Consider visiting urgent care if you develop:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in your urine
- Persistent urinary symptoms
- Symptoms that are getting worse
- Possible UTI symptoms that need testing
At an urgent care clinic, a healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether urine testing or other care is appropriate.
When Is a UTI an Emergency?
Most bladder infections do not require emergency care, but symptoms suggesting a serious kidney infection or systemic infection should be taken seriously.
Seek urgent medical attention for:
- High fever or significant chills
- Severe back or side pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Symptoms suggesting a serious infection
Kidney infections can occasionally lead to sepsis, which is a medical emergency.
If you are severely ill or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, seek emergency medical care or call 911.
Who Is More Likely to Develop a UTI?
Anyone can develop a UTI, but some people have a higher risk.
Factors associated with an increased risk include:
- Previous UTIs
- Recent sexual activity
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
- Kidney stones or other urinary tract blockages
- Use of a urinary catheter
- Diabetes
- Certain urinary tract abnormalities
UTIs are more common in women because the female urethra is shorter and located closer to the rectum, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
How Can You Help Prevent UTIs?
While not every UTI can be prevented, several habits can support urinary health.
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough fluids throughout the day. Water is generally the best option.
Don’t Hold Your Urine
Use the bathroom when you feel the need to urinate and take time to empty your bladder.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good bathroom hygiene can help reduce the movement of bacteria into the urinary tract.
Urinate After Sexual Activity
For some people, urinating after sexual activity may help reduce the risk of UTIs.
If you experience frequent UTIs, talk with a healthcare professional. Recurrent infections may require additional evaluation or a personalized prevention plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About UTI Symptoms
What are the most common UTI symptoms?
The most common symptoms include burning during urination, frequent urination, an urgent need to urinate, lower abdominal discomfort, and sometimes cloudy or bloody urine.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Some urinary symptoms may have causes other than a bacterial UTI, but a confirmed bacterial UTI may require antibiotic treatment. It is best to have persistent or concerning symptoms evaluated rather than relying on home remedies alone.
How is a UTI tested?
A healthcare professional may use a urine sample for urinalysis and, when appropriate, a urine culture to help diagnose a UTI.
When should I go to urgent care for a UTI?
Visit urgent care when you have symptoms such as burning urination, frequent urination, pelvic discomfort, blood in the urine, or other persistent urinary symptoms that need evaluation and testing.
What are the signs of a kidney infection?
Fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back, side, or groin can indicate a kidney infection and require prompt medical attention.
Can men get UTIs?
Yes. Although UTIs are more common in women, men can also develop urinary tract infections. Urinary symptoms in men may sometimes require evaluation for other conditions as well.
Don’t Ignore Persistent UTI Symptoms
Burning urination, frequent bathroom trips, pelvic discomfort, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine can all be signs of a urinary tract infection.
Getting evaluated early can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether UTI treatment is needed. More serious symptoms, particularly fever, chills, vomiting, or back and side pain, may indicate that an infection has reached the kidneys and require prompt medical attention.
If you are experiencing possible UTI symptoms and need convenient medical evaluation, MD Urgent Care can help assess your symptoms and determine whether testing or further treatment is appropriate.
Don’t ignore persistent urinary symptoms. Getting the right care at the right time can help protect your urinary and overall health.
