UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is the most common infection that affects the urinary system. Even though it occurs in both men and women, females account for more than 6 million medical visits to the hospitals in the USA. With an estimated 1 million visits to the Emergency Room, this is a major concern for vaginal health.
Often, the most common cause of UTI infections is the E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli), followed by fungi or viruses. Although it normally occurs in the bladder and urethra, the more serious infections involve the kidneys. Typically, medical professionals use antibodies to treat these infections.
While lab results can take a few days to diagnose the infection, a person can easily self-diagnose a UTI. Look out for the following symptoms to help you prevent and diagnose UTIs.
Symptoms of a UTI
Urinary Symptoms
If you feel a burning sensation when urinating, have a persistent need to pee and pass only small amounts of urine frequently, you should consult with a medical professional. In addition, other symptoms of UTI are cloudy urine, dark urine, urine with a foul smell, and rarely, blood in the urine.
Pain Symptoms
UTIs cause swelling of the urinary tract which often results in pain when urinating.
Additionally, women experience pain in the lower back, pelvic, and lower abdomen region, whereas men experience pain in the groin region or behind the scrotum. Then again with pain during intercourse and ejaculation, UTIs can also affect sex.
Other Symptoms
Bad vaginal odor (a fish like odor), vaginal irritation or inflammation, discharge of pus, and in rare cases, blood in the semen are some of the common symptoms of UTIs. In more serious cases, you may feel fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, chills and even high fever.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to contact your doctor for medical advice as soon as possible. Equally important, UTIs are even more concerning if they happen during pregnancy since there is higher risk of renal infections.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections and Their Symptoms
There are four different types of UTIs, which are based on the part of the urinary tract they affect.
- Urethritis – infection that occurs in the urethra.
- Cystitis – infection that occurs in the bladder.
- Pyelonephritis – infection that affects the kidneys.
- Vaginitis – infection that occurs in the vaginal area.
Normally, the lower urinary tract is more prone to urinary tract infections (i.e., the urethra and urinary bladder). Only in the rarest of cases do UTIs affect the upper urinary tract (i.e., the uterus and the kidneys). And yet UTIs affecting the kidney are often the most dangerous and critical in nature.
Urethritis – UTI Affecting the Urethra
Urethritis is an inflammation of the tube that takes the urine from the bladder to outside the body when a person urinates. Because of the microbes it causes swelling and irritation of the urethra. It is a common sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms of Urethritis
- Burning sensation when peeing
- A clear, white, yellow, green or rust colored discharge from urethral opening
- Persistent need to pee
- Difficulty and pain when starting to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Pain during intercourse and ejaculation
- Irritation and itching in the genital region
- Discharge of mucus or pus
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the pelvic region
Cystitis – UTI Affecting the Bladder
It refers to an inflammation of the urinary bladder. More commonly experienced by women, this is a bacterial infection. Women need to maintain a good vaginal health regime to prevent infection. As a result, if left untreated, it could escalate to the kidneys, which far more dangerous.
Symptoms of Cystitis
- Pelvic pressure, especially in the lower abdomen
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Burning sensation when peeing
- Constant need to pee
- Pain when urinating
- Passing of only small amounts of urine
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Passing foul smelling urine
- Chills and low fever
Pyelonephritis – UTI Affecting the Kidneys
It refers to an inflammation of the kidney. This specific UTI first begins in the urethra or bladder and then spreads to kidneys. Since this is a critical infection that often requires hospitalization, it requires medical intervention. Again, if you detect any the symptoms below, it is strongly advised to consult a medical professional for a quicker diagnosis and recovery.
Symptoms of Pyelonephritis
- High fever
- Chills often accompanied with shivers and trembles
- Pain in the back and flanks
- Pain in the pelvis or groins
- Urgent need to pee frequently
- Pain when passing urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or malaise
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
Vaginitis – UTI Affecting the Vagina
Vaginitis is basically inflammation of the vagina and vulva. The infection is caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria, yeast, fungus and allergic reactions. So, in spite of affecting a vast majority of women, even the most experienced doctors find it very tricky to diagnose correctly.
Symptoms of Vaginitis
-
- Itching and irritation in the vaginal area
- Pain when urinating
- Pain during intercourse
- Discharge of a clear or cloudy substance from the vagina
- Vaginal odor
- Burning sensation when peeing
Take Control and Get Relief from Your UTI Now!
At Aurora Gonzalez, MDPA & Associates, our team of highly trained, experienced, all-female doctors can help you get relief from UTI infections and other issues. Our medical team will address your healthcare concerns respectfully and discreetly. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 713-757-9905!
Do you have a UTI? Learn the Symptoms Aurora Gonzalez MDPA & Associates – Houston, TX