Urinary tract infectin, or UTI, occurs when bacteria, usually from the anal area, infects the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the urethra, bladder, ureter and kidneys. Most of the symptoms of UTI are due to the inflammation of the urinary tract in response to the bacteria.
You should call your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of a UTI. When urinary tract infections are left untreated, they can lead to a more serious infection of the kidneys or bloodstream. UTIs are treated with antibiotics.
Frequent Urination
The most common complaint in UTI is having to urinate often. Women with urinary tract infections often feel that they have to strain to urinate, only to produce a small amount of urine.
Burning
Women with urinary tract infections may notice that urination is painful. This is often described as a burning sensation during urination.
Blood or Pus in Urine
Blood or pus in the urine is another indicator a UTI is present. While this is often only visible with a microscope, it can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. A small amount may make the urine appear cloudy or brownish. The urine may also have a foul odor.
Fever
Fever is the body's way of fighting off infection. It is not always present during a UTI, but possible. Fever during a UTI is usually an indication that the infection has spread to the kidneys.
Pain
Aside from pain during urination, a UTI can be accompanied by pain in the area above the pubic bone and in the lower back. Pain in the lower back usually means that the infection is in the kidneys.
