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Unmasking The Silent Culprit: 5 UTI Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of
Are you frequently rushing to the restroom, experiencing a persistent urge to pee, or noticing a burning sensation during urination? These seemingly minor discomforts could be indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common yet often underestimated health issue.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing an infection. While both men and women can be affected, women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethras. Recognising the symptoms early on is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
1. Frequent UrinationIf you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual, it might be a sign of a UTI. The urge to urinate frequently, even when little comes out, is a classic symptom.
2. Burning SensationA persistent burning or stinging sensation during urination is a telltale sign of a UTI. This discomfort is caused by irritation of the urethra as the infection progresses.
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3. Cloudy or Strong-Smelling UrineHealthy urine is typically clear and odourless. If you notice a change in colour or a strong, unpleasant odour, it could be an indicator of a UTI.
4. Pelvic PainSome individuals with UTIs may experience pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. This discomfort can range from mild to severe.
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5. Fatigue and WeaknessGeneral feelings of fatigue, weakness, or even mild fever can accompany a UTI. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread to the kidneys, requiring immediate attention.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe complications. If you suspect you have a UTI, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate testing and prescribe the necessary antibiotics.
Remember, maintaining good hygiene practices, staying well-hydrated, and emptying your bladder regularly are essential steps in preventing UTIs. By staying informed and attentive to your body's signals, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your urinary health.
What Is A Bladder Infection?
A bladder infection is a type of UTI, which refers to infection in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.
A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. For people with weakened immune systems, yeast can cause bladder infections as well.
Bacterial infections can cause the bladder to inflame, which is a condition known as cystitis.
Most cases of bladder infections are acute, meaning they occur suddenly. Other cases may be chronic, meaning they recur over the long term. Early treatment is key to preventing the spread of the infection.
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). This refers to an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, such as the:
The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. The kidneys filter blood to remove waste, producing urine. The ureters carry the urine to the lower tract.
The lower tract includes the bladder and urethra. Your bladder acts as a reservoir, storing urine until you're ready to release it. Urine is passed out of the body through the urethra.
UTIs occur more often in the lower tract as it's easier for bacteria to enter.
Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the bladder can cause infections. Typically, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination.
Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of your bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the body's ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.
Most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. Coli). This type of bacteria is naturally present in the large intestines.
An infection can occur when bacteria from your stool get on your skin and enter your urethra. In women, the urethra is short and the outside opening is not far from the anus, so bacteria can easily move from one body system to another.
The symptoms of a bladder infection vary depending on the severity. You'll immediately notice changes during urination. Some of the most common symptoms include:
When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.
A kidney infection will often cause:
You'll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.
Anyone can get bladder infections, but there are different risks for women and men.
Bladder infections in womenWomen are more prone to getting bladder infections than men. About 40 percent of women in the United States develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their life.
This is because women have shorter urethras, making the path to the bladder easier for bacteria to reach. Women's urethras are also located closer to the rectum than men's urethras. This means there is a shorter distance for bacteria to travel.
During pregnancy, changes in the urinary tract increase the risk of an infection. Changes in the immune system also increase risk during pregnancy.
Some forms of birth control, like diaphragms and spermicides, may increase your risk of urinary tract infections.
Women are also more prone to recurring infections. About 25 percent of women will experience a second infection within 6 months of their first infection.
Bladder infections in menAs men age, the prostate can enlarge. This can cause blockages to the flow of urine and increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. UTIs tend to increase in men as they age.
Bladder infections are not very common in men less than 65 years old. However, younger men who are uncircumcised or have anal sex may be at greater risk.
Other risk factorsOther factors can increase the risk of bladder infections for both men and women. These include:
A doctor can diagnose your bladder infection by performing a urinalysis. This is a test performed on a sample of urine to check for the presence of:
Your doctor may also perform a urine culture, which is a test to determine the type of bacteria in the urine causing the infection.
Once they know the type of bacteria, they will test it for antibiotic sensitivity to determine which antibiotic will best treat the infection.
You can connect with a primary care doctor or a urologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
Bladder infections are treated with prescription medications to kill the bacteria, usually antibiotics, and medications that relieve pain and burning.
MedicationOral antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that are causing the bladder infection.
If you're experiencing pain and burning sensations, your doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve those symptoms.
The most common medication for relieving the pain and burning associated with bladder infections is called phenazopyridine (Pyridium).
Home treatmentIn addition to antibiotics, there are steps you can take at home to help treat your bladder infection:
Certain lifestyle changes may reduce your chances of getting a bladder infection.
If you've been experiencing recurrent bladder infections, your doctor may recommend prophylactic treatment. This consists of antibiotics taken in small daily doses to prevent or manage future bladder infections.
Lifestyle changesSome of the following lifestyle changes may help reduce or eliminate the occurrence of bladder infections:
If you're experiencing recurrent bladder infections, your doctor may give you a prescription for daily antibiotics to prevent infections or to take when you feel the symptoms of a bladder infection.
They may also have you take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual activity.
Most bladder infections subside within 48 hours of taking the appropriate antibiotic. It's important to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you're feeling better.
Some bladder infections can worsen and spread to the kidneys due to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, delayed or inadequate treatment, or other health issues.
If you have recurrent UTIs, it's important to contact your doctor. You may need certain tests to make sure your urinary system is otherwise healthy.
If you don't already have a primary care physician, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Chronic bladder infections require a combination of treatment and preventive measures. Long-term daily antibiotics may be necessary in some cases.
Being proactive about bladder infections can help reduce their occurrence as well as the pain and possible complications that accompany them.
The earlier you seek treatment, the less likely it is that the infection will spread, and the sooner you'll feel better.
7 Best UTI Home Remedies: How To Treat A UTI Without Antibiotics
While antibiotics are the main treatment for UTIS, home remedies can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurring infections. Our tips include staying hydrated, urinating when necessary, and drinking cranberry juice.
Research supports the use of some home remedies for UTIs. Some have been part of traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.
To treat a UTI without antibiotics, people can try these approaches.
1. Stay hydratedDrinking enough water can help prevent UTIs.
Water helps the urinary tract organs efficiently remove waste from the body while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.
Being hydrated also dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the system, making it harder for bacteria to reach and infect the cells that line the urinary organs.
There is no set recommendation about how much water to drink daily — people's needs differ. However, on average, adults should drink between six and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
2. Urinate when the need arisesFrequent urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
It also reduces the time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.
Urinating as soon as possible after the urge strikes can help prevent and treat UTIs.
3. Drink cranberry juiceCranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery.
2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective. However, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and more research is needed regarding which type of cranberry product and which dose is most effective.
The authors write that cranberries contain polyphenols that may prevent Escherichia coli bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract.
Cranberries also contain antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is no set guidance about how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI. To prevent them, a person might drink around 400 milliliters of at least 25% cranberry juice every day. However, more research is necessary to determine how much cranberry juice to drink for a UTI.
4. Use probioticsBeneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria.
In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to some older 2017 research. They may do this by:
Also, people who take Lactobacillus supplements while they take antibiotics may have reduced antibiotic resistance.
Probiotics exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including:
People can also take probiotic supplements, usually as capsules or a powder mixed into water or other beverages.
Learn more about the best sources of probiotics.
5. Get enough vitamin CVitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve immune system function.
It also reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria. It can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.
However, little quality research indicates whether consuming more vitamin C can prevent or treat UTIs.
According to limited research, taking other supplements alongside vitamin C may maximize its benefits.
A 2021 review of natural remedies for UTIs stated that it could control the symptoms. Additionally, an older 2016 study examined data from 36 people with recurrent UTIs who took vitamin C, probiotics, and cranberry supplements three times a day for 20 days, then stopped for 10 days. They repeated this cycle for 3 months. The researchers concluded that this could be a safe, effective way to treat recurrent UTIs.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that females ages 19 and over consume at least 75 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C daily, while males need around 90 mg daily. Adults who smoke should take an additional 35 mg of the vitamin each day.
6. Wipe from front to backUTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces access the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can cause infections.
After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus, for example.
7. Practice good sexual hygieneSome sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
The following table compares the UTI treatments mentioned in this article.
UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States. They are especially prevalent in females, with 2022 research showing that 40% of females will have one during their lifetimes. UTIs also tend to reoccur.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs because they kill the bacteria responsible for the infections.
Most UTIs develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The species most likely to cause UTIs include:
Risks of using antibioticsWhile antibiotics can usually treat UTIs quickly and effectively, they can cause allergic reactions and other adverse effects and complications.
For instance, older research suggests that about 22% of females receiving treatment for uncomplicated UTIs develop a Candida vaginal infection, a type of fungal infection.
Other potential side effects of antibiotics include:
More severe risks of using antibiotics include the following.
Creating stronger strains of bacteriaOver time, some species of bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. According to some research, several species of E. Coli, the primary cause of UTIs, show increasing drug resistance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes that over- and misuse of antibiotics are causing increased resistance. People should only take antibiotics when necessary. They should not pressure a doctor into prescribing antibiotics if they are not necessary, such as for colds or flu.
If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, a person should take them exactly as they instruct.
Damaging helpful bacteriaThe body contains populations of bacteria and other microorganisms that help with bodily functions. The CDC says that antibiotics may destroy some of these bacteria that help to protect people from infections.
If a person suspects that they have a UTI, they should ask a healthcare professional for advice about the best way to treat it.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary, but it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat.
What is the fastest way to clear up a UTI?Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs without antibiotics.
According to research, antibiotics can clear up UTIs within three days.
How can I treat my UTI myself?People can treat UTIs themselves without antibiotics. People can try drinking cranberry juice, taking vitamin C supplements, or trying probiotics to prevent and reduce the reoccurrence of UTIs. People should be aware that they may still have a UTI even if their symptoms disappear.
However, most at-home treatments are more effective at preventing UTIs and may not eliminate the bacteria causing a current UTI.
A person should speak with a doctor about the best UTI treatment.
Will a UTI go away on its own?Some uncomplicated UTIs go away on their own without the use of antibiotics.
However, keep in mind that there are risks to leaving UTIs untreated, such as the infection spreading to other parts of the body.
What are three symptoms of a UTI?Three common signs of a UTI are:
Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females.
Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care. Researchers are increasingly looking for ways to treat and prevent UTIs without antibiotics.
Several long-standing home remedies may help prevent and treat these infections.
Anyone who may have a UTI should speak with a healthcare professional before trying to treat the infection themselves.
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