Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms

For someone who is experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI) for the first time (or if it has been a while since they have had one), the symptoms can be frightening. On the other hand, some people with a urinary tract infection may not experience any symptoms at all. In certain cases, your doctor may be sure of the diagnosis simply by listening to your description of the symptoms and onset of the condition, while other cases pose diagnostic challenges. This slide show takes a look at the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

Painful urination

Painful or difficult urination, including a burning feeling upon urination, is most commonly due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract causing inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body).

Frequent urination

A feeling of urgency, or feeling the need to urinate frequently, (or waking up at night to urinate), and not being able to hold it is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection.

Urine color and clarity

People with a urinary tract infection may notice an altered appearance of the urine. The urine may be as bloody (red), cloudy (containing pus), or bad-smelling.

Pain and pressure

Pain or pressure in the rectum for men or in the area of the pubic bone for women is another possible symptom of urinary tract infection.

Hesitancy to urinate

The sensation of not being able to urinate easily or completely (or feeling that you have to urinate strongly but only a few drops of urine come out) often accompanies a urinary tract infection.

Generalized urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms

Other, more generalized, symptoms can also accompany a urinary tract infection such as:

• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Fever is not common if the infection is in the lower urinary tract (urethra or bladder), but may be present, especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys or blood.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants

Infants with a urinary tract infection are less likely than adults or older children to have the characteristic symptoms of a UTI. Urinary tract infections can develop in both male and female infants. Affected babies may have a fever and no other symptoms. Infants who have a urinary tract infection may:

• be irritable, have a fever, and
• ave loose stools and/or feeding problems

Because of the non-specific nature of many of these symptoms, urinary tract infections can be more difficult to diagnose in infants.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in the elderly

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection can also appear nonspecific, and the diagnosis may be more difficult, in the elderly or those in health care settings who require long-term catheter use.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

Urine testing (urinalysis) will establish the diagnosis of a urinary tract infection. The urine is examined for the presence of red blood cells that signify bleeding into the urine and for white blood cells that signify infection. A culture of the urine is also taken to identify the organism responsible for the infection and to determine the effectiveness of different antibiotics against the offending organism. If recurrent infections develop, further types of testing including imaging studies and/or visual examination of the bladder (cystoscopy) may be recommended.

More Reading on Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• Urinary Tract Infection in Adults
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
• Urinary Tract Infections and Menopause
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Blood in Urine