Urinary tract infections (UTI) are an uncomfortable condition that affects upwards of 50% of females. A UTI is an infection of the urinary system and occurs when bacteria gets into the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body.
It is important to identify a UTI quickly before the bacteria travels to the bladder or kidneys, causing a more significant infection.
Here is how you can figure out whether you have a urinary tract infection.
UTI Symptoms
The most common symptom of a UTI is a a burning sensation or pain while urinating. It is also common to experience a constant urge to urinate.
Other UTI symptoms include:
- foul-smelling urine
- cloudy urine
- pus or blood in your urine
- pressure or pain in your lower belly, back, or sides
- Tiredness, fever, or chills (if the infection has reached your bladder or kidneys)
What Causes a UTI?
Urinary Tract Infections are very common and can happen easily, especially after sexual activity. Bacteria that resides in the vagina and genital areas can be pushed into your urethra during sex and cause an infection. UTIs can also be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other organisms. UTIs are not contracted from one person to another like STDs, but having sex is one way that can cause a UTI to start. Most people aren’t able to pinpoint the exact cause of their urinary tract infection because so many things can lead to it.
Other Possibilities
In some cases, the symptoms of a UTI can mimic other medical conditions like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or appendicitis. It is important to identify if you are experiencing other symptoms besides painful urination, like rashes, sores, discharge, and sharp pains in your side.
Talk to the Medical Professionals at Women’s Excellence
Since a UTI shares symptoms with many other conditions, the best thing to do if you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection is seek advice from one of our providers at Women’s Excellence. Did you know that you can meet virtually with our team? Try a Telemedicine appointment today if you think you have a UTI! Chat with us at the bottom right of your screen! Our Online Patient Support Specialists are available Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. For other ways to contact us, click here.