Common Signs of Urinary Tract Infections and How to Prevent Them

By Nathan Ratchford, MD
Phelps Health

If you have ever experienced a burning sensation or pain while urinating, that may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

A urinary tract infection is typically an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. Most UTIs occur in the lower portion of the urinary system – the bladder and urethra.

While both men and women can get UTIs, women are more prone than men to getting UTIs or bladder infections. In fact, about one in five women will get a UTI in her lifetime.

Women typically have shorter urethra, and this anatomy difference makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Common symptoms of UTIs may include the following:

• Increased frequency or urge to urinate
• Burning feeling when urinating
• Aching feeling, pressure or pain in the abdomen, lower back or sides
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Strong odor in urine
• Fever

The best way to get checked for a urinary tract infection is to see your doctor and get a test called a urinalysis. This test will take a sample of your urine and check for bacteria and blood cells.

Typically, these urinalysis tests are simple, quick and are performed in the doctor’s office. Many patients will know test results within 48 hours.

Based on the results, if you do have a UTI, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to treat the infection. Over-the-counter medicines may help with pain, but do not treat UTIs.

If not treated properly, the infection can travel to your kidneys and cause more serious problems.

There are several recommendations you can follow to help prevent UTIs:

• Staying well hydrated
• Urinating after sexual intercourse
• Wiping from front to back (especially for women)
• Cleansing the genital area daily

If you think you may have a UTI, talk to your doctor.