A urinary tract infection, commonly called UTI, can occur anywhere along the urinary system. This bacterial infection received treatment for 11.3 million women in 1995 according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It can be started by sexual intercourse, wiping feces improperly or practicing poor hygiene. The earlier it is discovered, the more easily treatable the infection, so knowing signs and symptoms could save you time and anguish. Mayo Clinic staff say UTIs are normally treated with a course of antibiotics.
Urgent urge
A UTI sufferer has the feeling of an urgent need to urinate even after she urinates. The feeling of an urgent need to urinate may come in waves and makes it hard for the person to concentrate on anything else.
Burning urine
When urinating, the sufferer feels a burning sensation. Instead of a relief of pressure on the bladder, the pain of urgency is exchanged for a sharper, stinging pain.
Going but not gone
After the UTI sufferer urinates, she has little respite before the cycle is repeated.
Blood in the urine
When urinating, the urine may have blood in it. This condition is called hematuria and can be the first warning sign of bladder cancer.
Cloudy urine
Passed urine may appear cloudy and have a strong odor.
Pelvic pain
Pain from a UTI can include a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen as well as pelvic discomfort.
Fever
A low grade fever may signal a UTI. Since fever can signal other maladies, the presence of other UTI indicators would help single out a UTI.
Bed wetting
A sudden, new bout of bed wetting by a child, called enuresis, may be a signal of a UTI.
