A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system – kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

UTIs occur more frequently in females compared to males, and about 50% of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage. Knowing the signs of UTIs can help you seek prompt medical attention and prevent complications.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top signs of UTIs you shouldn’t overlook.

1. Pain or Burning Sensation During Urination

If you experience pain or burning sensation when you pee, it’s one of the most common signs of UTIs. The sensation is caused by irritation of the urethra as bacteria makes their way towards the bladder.

You may also have an increased urge to pee but only passing a small amount of urine. This condition is known as dysuria.

2. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort

Along with dysuria, you may also feel abdominal pain, discomfort, and cramping. These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the bladder, which can cause discomfort and pain.

The pain and discomfort may get worse when you’re pressing on your lower abdomen or after sex. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, you may feel pain in the upper back or side.

3. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine

If you notice that your urine looks cloudy or has a strong unpleasant smell, it may be a sign of UTI. This is caused by the presence of bacteria in the urine, which makes it look cloudy and foul-smelling.

Sometimes, the urine may also appear pinkish or reddish in color due to the presence of blood.

4. Flu-like Symptoms

Some people with UTIs may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and achiness. These symptoms occur when the body mounts an immune response against the bacteria causing the infection.

If you experience these symptoms together with other UTI symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

5. Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be a sign of UTI when the bacteria spread to the kidneys, which is known as pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a severe infection that can cause kidney damage if left untreated.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, you may experience back pain, high fever, vomiting, and nausea.

6. Fatigue and overall weakness

If you have UTI, you may experience extreme tiredness and weakness without any apparent reason. It is due to the body’s immune system working hard to fight the bacterial infection, often leading to fatigue and overall weakness.

7. Unusual Vaginal Discharge

In females, UTIs can cause changes in vaginal discharge, such as unusual color, consistency, or smell. Itchy and burning sensations in the genital area and pain or discomfort during sex may also occur.

These symptoms require medical attention to avoid further complications.

8. Confusion and Delirium in Older People

In older adults, UTIs can present with atypical signs such as confusion, lethargy, and delirium. Older adults may not experience typical UTI symptoms, such as dysuria and frequent urge to pee, but they may have changes in mental status.

If you have an older adult in your care, watch for any of these signs and seek medical attention promptly.

9. Recurrent UTIs

If you’ve had one UTI before, you may be at risk of developing recurrent UTIs. Recurrent UTIs occur when the bacteria responsible for the infection are not eliminated completely, leading to reinfections.

If you experience recurrent UTIs, talk to your doctor about taking preventive measures such as antibiotics or vaginal estrogen therapy.

10. Painful Inter-course or Post-coital Cystitis

For females, painful intercourse can be a sign of post-coital cystitis, which is a type of UTI that occurs after sex. This type of UTI is caused by the bacteria in the genital area being pushed into the urethra during intercourse.

Symptoms include dysuria, abdominal pain, and an urgency to pee. Using condoms, wiping front-to-back, and urinating after intercourse can help prevent post-coital cystitis.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections are common but can cause severe complications if left untreated. Knowing the signs and symptoms of UTIs helps you seek prompt medical attention, leading to proper treatment and preventing complications.

If you experience any of the signs discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.