24 Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

by | Oct 23, 2023

Early UTI Symptoms and Treatment Options

The urinary system, composed of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra, is responsible for removing waste and extra water. Unfortunately, this system can get infected, leading to what is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). While any part of your urinary system can become infected, most UTIs take place in the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and the urethra. 

If you think you might be showing signs of a UTI, you’re not alone. UTIs are incredibly common, especially in women, with more than half of women experiencing at least one infection in their lifetime.

Here are the early UTI symptoms to look out for, as well as some information regarding the causes of a UTI, treatment options, and preventative measures you can take to ensure good urinary tract health. 

What is a Urinary Tract Infection(UTI)? 

A UTI is caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, which is responsible for transporting urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Once there, the bacteria travels up the urinary tract and multiplies — triggering an inflammatory response in the body, and resulting in the symptoms associated with a UTI. 

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

Here is a closer look at these two types of UTIs. Lower UTIs are more common than upper UTIs and are usually less severe.

Lower Urinary Tract Infection

Lower Urinary Tract Infection (Lower UTI) involves the parts of the urinary tract that are more exposed to the outside of the body. These include the bladder and the urethra. 

Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder and is the most common type of lower UTI. It can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and lower abdominal pain.

Urethritis

Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, the tube through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body. Urethritis can cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination and discharge from the urethra. 

Upper Urinary Tract Infections

An upper UTI involves the kidneys and can be a more serious condition. Upper UTIs occur when bacteria from the bladder travel up the ureters to infect the kidneys. These infections can lead to more severe complications and require prompt medical treatment, often treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a more serious UTI that involves the kidneys. It occurs when a bladder infection progresses to the kidneys.

If you suspect you have a UTI and are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. 

It is also important to note that some individuals, especially women, are prone to recurrent UTIs. This means that a person has multiple UTIs within a year. Recurrent UTIs can be caused by factors such as sexual activity, the use of certain types of birth control, or anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Other Types of Urinary Tract Infections

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Some individuals, particularly elderly individuals or those with certain medical conditions, can have bacteria in their urine without experiencing any symptoms. This condition is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria. Treatment is usually recommended for pregnant women and individuals undergoing certain medical procedures as it may cause complications, but not for otherwise healthy individuals without symptoms.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

Although both men and women can get a UTI, women are at a higher risk of developing one. This is because women have a shorter urethra, so it’s easier for bacteria to enter their bladder. UTIs in men are often caused by an enlarged prostate that blocks the flow of urine and allows bacteria to have an easier time entering the urinary tract.

In most cases, the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the cause of a UTI in both men and women. Since the urethra is close to the anus, it is easy for bacteria from the large intestine to enter the urethra. From there, the bacteria travels up to your bladder and can continue to affect your kidneys if left untreated.

Sex is another common cause of a UTI in women, as the physical act of intercourse exposes a woman’s urethra to bacteria from the anal area. After contact is made, it is easy for bacteria to travel into the urinary system and cause an infection. 

Related: The Science Behind a UTI

Symptoms of a Lower Urinary Tract Infection

Signs of a urinary tract infection vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. 

Lower tract UTIs specifically affect the urethra and bladder. These early UTI symptoms include:

1. Pain or burning sensation during urination: Discomfort or a burning feeling while urinating, often felt in the urethra.

2. Frequent urge to urinate: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when there’s little urine in the bladder.

3. Cloudy or strong-smelling urine: Urine appears cloudy, possibly indicating the presence of bacteria, and has a stronger, more unpleasant odor than usual.

4. Blood in the urine (hematuria): Urine appears pink, red, or brownish due to the presence of blood.

5. Lower abdominal pain or discomfort: A dull or sharp pain in the lower part of the abdomen, often near the bladder.

6. Pelvic pain (in women): Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, often felt below the navel.

7. Rectal pain (in men): Pain or discomfort in the rectum or anal area.

8. Incontinence or inability to urinate: Loss of control over urination or difficulty in starting or stopping urination.

9. Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia): Discomfort or pain during sexual activity, particularly felt in the genital or pelvic area.

10. Strong pelvic pressure: A sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvic region.

11. Unexplained irritability or changes in behavior (in children): Behavioral changes in children, such as increased irritability or fussiness, can be indicative of discomfort caused by a UTI.

12. Bladder spasms: Sudden, involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles, causing pain and urgency.

Symptoms of an Upper Urinary Tract Infection

Upper tract UTIs affect the kidneys and can be potentially life-threatening if the bacteria moves from the kidneys into the bloodstream. Signs of an Upper UTI include:

1. Fatigue or malaise: Feeling generally unwell, tired, or weak.

2. Fever and chills: Elevated body temperature and shivering, indicating a systemic response to infection.

3. Discomfort or pain in the back or sides: Dull or sharp pain in the lower back or sides, which can indicate a kidney infection.

4. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling the urge to vomit and actual vomiting, often seen in severe UTIs affecting the kidneys.

5. Mental changes or confusion: Altered mental state, confusion, or disorientation, especially seen in older adults with severe infections.

6. Urinary retention: Inability to empty the bladder fully, leading to persistent discomfort or pressure.

7. Disorientation or hallucinations: Severe infections can lead to confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations.

8. Loss of appetite: A reduced desire to eat, often accompanied by feelings of nausea.

9. Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, indicating possible liver or kidney problems in severe cases.

10. Hypotension: In severe cases, abnormally low blood pressure may occur, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or weakness.

11. Rapid heart rate: In severe cases, you may experience an abnormally fast heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, indicating a systemic response to a severe infection.

Treatment

A urologist is usually able to diagnose a UTI after asking about your symptoms and testing a urine sample. Once diagnosed, antibiotics are the most common treatment for a UTI. However, as is the case with all antibiotics, it is important to take the entire course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. 

In addition to antibiotics, a urologist might prescribe some medication to ease the pain. These medications should only be used as prescribed until the infection is resolved. Of course, it will also help to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out the infection-causing bacteria. You also might find a heating pad useful to help soothe the pain. If you have three or more UTIs a year, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor to recommend a treatment plan for recurrent UTIs.

Related: UTI Discomfort After Hours: What To Do for Discomfort

Did you know that your nutrition and lifestyle play a huge role in a happy and healthy urinary tract system? 

Download our Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide to learn our top tips for maintaining and achieving optimal urology health.

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Management and Prevention Tips

You can take these steps to help reduce your risk of developing a UTI and manage your urinary tract health:

  • Drink cranberry juice: It’s not just an old wives’ tale! There is a tannin in cranberries that helps prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and causing an infection.
  • Wipe from front to back: Doing so helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the urethra.
  • Empty your bladder soon after intercourse: Sex is a common trigger for UTIs, but may be prevented by cleaning the genital area before any sexual activity, and by urinating afterward.
  • Avoid potentially irritating feminine products: Feminine products such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders can irritate the urethra and increase your risk of developing a UTI.
  • Change your birth control method: Diaphragms can increase bacteria growth, while unlubricated condoms or spermicidal jelly can irritate your urinary tract. 
  • Keep your genital area dry: Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes; avoid tight jeans and nylon underwear, as they can trap moisture and grow bacteria.
  • Avoid holding your urine for long periods: If you don’t empty your bladder regularly, bacteria are more likely to sit and multiply in the bladder.

Related: Nutrition to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

When to See a Professional

If you are experiencing the early signs of a UTI, see a doctor as soon as possible. Putting off a visit to the doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI will not only prolong your discomfort, but could also lead to complications. If detected early, a UTI is usually easy to treat, however, if left untreated, a UTI can also affect your bladder and kidneys.

To help rid yourself of a painful UTI, contact the Urology Specialists of the Carolinas today for an appointment. A simple examination and urine or blood test could save you a lot of trouble in the long run. With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, you will be on the road to recovery in no time! 

This content was originally published in December 2020 and was refreshed in October 2023.