Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common health problem that affects thousands of people every year, regardless of their age. Although both men and women can get UTIs, being a woman makes you more susceptible to them.

UTIs are easily treatable with antibiotics and painkillers if caught early. A delay in diagnosis, on the other hand, can cause complications due to the involvement of the kidneys.
It is, therefore, prudent to be aware of the symptoms of a UTI and consult your doctor. We will be talking at length about the symptoms of urinary tract infections in this blog to help you identify them and take prompt action if required.

In This Article

The Biology of the Urinary Tract

Before we talk about the symptoms of a UTI, let us quickly recall our biology class on the structure of the urinary tract.

Kidneys: The urinary tract has two kidneys, one on each side of the body. They filter the blood, remove the waste material, and make urine.
Ureters: These are tube-like structures that carry urine to the urinary bladder.
Urinary bladder: The urine is stored in the bladder until it is full and then sent out of the body through the urethra.
Urethra: The urethra is also a tube-like structure that connects the bladder to the skin. It is located at the tip of the penis in men and between the clitoris and the vagina in women.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection is an infection of any of these parts. Depending on the infected part, the infection may also be called:

Urine has no bacteria in it. But they may enter the tract through the urethra and move up into the bladder and kidneys. The kidneys can also get infected because of blockage due to stones, etc. Pregnancy and weakened immunity can also increase the chances of a UTI. An enlarged prostate in men may make it difficult to empty the bladder and cause an infection.

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is the most common bacteria linked to UTIs. It is abundantly found in our gut and poop and can enter the urinary tract through the urethra.

Common Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection depend on which part of the urinary tract is affected. Although infections of the bladder can be annoying and painful, the involvement of the kidneys can cause serious complications.

Some common signs and symptoms include:

Frequent Urination
This is the most common symptom of a UTI. You feel a strong urge to urinate all the time. But when you urinate, you only pass a small amount of urine most of the time. There is a sense of incomplete bladder emptying. The frequent need to urinate at night (nocturia) may be disrupting your sleep.
This happens because of the inflammation of the bladder lining and the urethra. The inflamed lining gets irritated by even a small amount of urine, and there is an urge to pass urine. This may, at times, cause some urine to leak (urinary incontinence).
Painful Urination
You might even be experiencing a burning or stinging sensation during urination due to the inflamed lining of the bladder and the urethra. This condition is called Dysuria.
Your urine may have a foul smell
If you are passing foul-smelling urine, it could very well be a sign of a UTI. The bacteria in the urine give it a foul smell.
Cloudy or Bloody urine
The UTI can make the urine cloudy due to the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, pus cells, etc. Sometimes, the urine may even have a reddish tinge due to blood.
Pain and Discomfort in the pelvic region and lower back
The UTI can make the urine cloudy due to the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, pus cells, etc. Sometimes, the urine may even have a reddish tinge due to blood.
Feeling weak and tired
Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness and weakness. It could be a sign that the UTI is affecting the kidneys.
Fever with chills
A bladder infection may be linked to a low-grade fever. But a high fever with chills is a symptom that the infection has reached the kidneys and requires prompt action.
Nausea and vomiting
Another symptom associated with kidney infections is nausea and vomiting.
Pain during sex
You may experience pain during sex due to the inflamed urethra.

Symptoms in the Elderly

Elderly patients, either with diabetes or who are bed-bound, need tubes to urinate, etc., are more likely to get UTIs. If you are a caregiver for elderly family members, note that they may not exhibit frequent urination, which is a telltale sign of a UTI. Symptoms such as a sudden change in behavior, feeling confused, or being agitated should be instant red flags for the need to visit the doctor.

Symptoms in Men

UTIs are less common in men. They also experience the same symptoms of UTI as women, such as frequent and painful urination, etc. Men are more likely to have reinfections. UTIs in men may be linked to complications like prostatitis if not treated on time.

Conclusion

Since UTIs are so common, you can also follow certain simple habits to prevent them. Learn to recognize the symptoms, but do not try to treat a UTI with over-the-counter medications. A delay in treatment can lead to the involvement of the kidneys and more severe symptoms and complications, like resistance to common antibiotics, involvement of the kidneys, sepsis, etc. Therefore, if you feel any of the above symptoms, take professional advice and get well soon.