A urinary tract infection can affect men, women and children. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any single part of the urinary tract can become infected, as can multiple parts. Women are at a greater risk than men of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI), notes the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of a UTI in men are similar to those in women. With proper treatment, the infection can be harmless, but if left untreated it can lead to a more serious infection of the bladder or kidneys. The Mayo Clinic points out that some people may have no symptoms or signs that are recognizable with a UTI. It indicates that most people have some symptoms.
Urinary Problems
Having a strong, persistent urge to urinate is one sign of UTI. Despite the frequent urge to urinate, there may be little urine. You may also notice that after urinating, you feel the urge to continue eliminating fluids but nothing comes out. There may be blood in the urine or a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra while urinating. Cloudiness, described as milky by the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK), or strong-smelling urine are indicators of infection. The NIDDK also points out that pink-tinged urine or blood may be present in more severe infections.
Tiredness
A UTI can cause a general feeling of illness all over the body, including tiredness, shakiness, appearing washed out and even feeling pain whether urinating or not, as indicated by the NIDDK.
Other Symptoms
Depending on the location of the infection, there may be other systemic symptoms, or symptoms that impact other areas of the body. If the infection impacts the bladder, there may be pelvic pressure or tenderness in the lower abdomen. A fever is typically present only when the infection has reached the kidneys and it may be accompanied by chills and/or shaking, indicates the NIDDK. Also, pain in the lower back, side, below the ribs, vomiting and nausea are more often associated with kidney infection. The NIDDK suggests men may experience a sensation of fullness in the rectum.
