Urinary Tract Infection: Don’t Ignore these 5 Symptoms

You’re in the middle of a busy day when it suddenly hits you that sharp, burning need to rush to the bathroom. You go, but the relief never really comes, and the discomfort just hangs around like an unpleasant guest. This is what a urinary tract infection (UTI) can feel like. Know more about urinary tract infection and its symptoms.

What is Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infection is a common infection caused by bacteria, especially E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract. It enters through the urethra and multiplies, affecting various parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys, making urination a painful experience.

UTIs affect millions of people around the world every year, and about half of all women will have at least one in their lifetime. They primarily impact women due to shorter urethras, leading to symptoms like painful urination and frequent urges. Factors like poor hygiene, sexual activity, or holding urine can contribute to causing an infection and can be serious if it spreads to the kidneys.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms 

Some common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection include:

• A burning sensation while urinating 
• Sudden urge to urinate more often than usual
• Cloudy and bloody Urine 
• Abdominal pain (lower or upper, depending upon the type of UTI)
• Fever, Chills, weakness

Urinary tract infections have different symptoms depending on whether they affect the lower or upper urinary tract. 

How do UTI Symptoms differ between Women and Men?

UTI symptoms share many similarities between men and women, but differ in intensity, onset, and location due to anatomical differences like urethral length.

Symptoms of UTI in Women​

Women often experience more acute and rapid-onset symptoms. It includes a strong burning sensation during urination and pelvic pressure. A frequent urge with little urine output is one of the common symptoms. Lower abdominal discomfort and cloudy urine are associated with bacteria reaching the bladder quickly through the shorter urethra.

Symptoms of UTI in Men​

In men, symptoms tend to develop more subtly and slowly. It starts with burning during urination, low urine flow, hesitancy, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Perineal or rectal pain (between the scrotum and anus) may occur, especially if prostate issues contribute, and nocturia (nighttime urination) is frequent.

Lower UTI Symptoms

These commonly involve the bladder or urethra and include a burning sensation during urination, frequent or urgent need to urinate with little output, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic or lower abdominal pain. Women often feel pressure in the pelvis, while men may experience rectal discomfort.

Upper UTI Symptoms

When the infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms escalate to fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. These signal a need for proper medical attention to prevent further complications.

What are the 10 causes of UTI?

In both men and women, factors such as poor hygiene, inadequate fluid intake, holding urine for a long time, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk. UTIs are also more likely when conditions such as urinary stones, strictures, or tumours, or following catheter use or urinary procedures obstruct urine flow.

The common 10 causes of UTI in both men and women are: 

1. E.coli Bacteria entering the urinary tract from the bowel
2. Poor personal hygiene allows bacteria to reach the urethra
3. Inadequate fluid intake and infrequent urination
4. Holding urine for prolonged periods
5. Urinary tract obstruction, such as stones, strictures, or tumours
6. Incomplete bladder emptying
7. Use of urinary catheters or recent urological procedures
8. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra
9. Hormonal and anatomical factors in women, including a shorter urethra, pregnancy, and menopause
10. Prostate-related conditions in men, such as an enlarged prostate or prostatitis

How to prevent a Urinary Tract Infection?

Preventing urinary tract infections largely involves simple daily habits that reduce the chances of bacteria entering and multiplying in the urinary tract. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the bladder and encourages regular urination. It is essential to maintain a clean urinary system and avoid holding urine. It is also advisable to make sure the bladder is emptied fully each time

Ways to prevent UTIs are:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Do not hold urine; empty your bladder regularly and completely
• Maintain good personal hygiene, wiping front to back after using the toilet
• Urinating after sexual activity is a must. It helps clear bacteria from the urethra
• Avoid irritating products such as perfumed soaps, sprays, or douches in the genital area
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing
• Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes and constipation
• Postmenopausal women may benefit from vaginal oestrogen if advised by a clinician
• Seek medical advice for recurrent symptoms to identify and treat underlying causes
  

What are the major risk factors for UTI?

Certain factors that significantly increase the risk of Urinary Tract Infections are conditions with normal urine flow that reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Risk factors vary between individuals and may be influenced by anatomy, age, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.

Women are generally at higher risk due to a shorter urethra, while men often develop UTIs in the presence of underlying urological problems. Medical interventions such as catheter use and chronic illnesses can further increase susceptibility.

Key Risk Factors for UTIs

• Female anatomy, particularly a shorter urethra
• Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
• Pregnancy and menopause-related hormonal changes
• Poor personal hygiene
• Inadequate fluid intake and infrequent urination
• Holding urine for prolonged periods
• Urinary tract obstruction, including stones, strictures, or tumours
• Incomplete bladder emptying, often due to prostate enlargement in men
• Use of urinary catheters or recent urological procedures
• Weakened immune system, including diabetes, advanced age, or chronic illness

How can UTIs be treated?

Urinary tract infections are usually easy to treat, especially when diagnosed early. The main aim of treatment is to clear the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications or recurrence. Most people recover quickly with appropriate care, although treatment may vary depending on age, sex, severity of infection, and underlying health conditions.

Antibiotics are the main treatment for UTIs. They are prescribed based on symptoms and, if needed, urine test results. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush bacteria from the urinary system, while simple pain relief medications can ease discomfort such as burning or lower abdominal pain. 

In some cases, treating the underlying cause, such as urinary blockage, prostate enlargement, or catheter use, is essential to prevent repeat infections. A General Practitioner may provide self-care advice and suggest taking a pain-relief medication.

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• prescribe a short course of antibiotics
• Advise waiting up to 48 hours before starting antibiotics, as symptoms may improve on their own

It is important to complete the full course of any medication prescribed, even if your symptoms begin to improve.

Treatments for Recurrent UTIs

Recurrent urinary tract infections are defined as repeated infections despite treatment, such as two UTIs within six months or three within a year. If UTIs keep coming back, it is necessary to visit a GP so that the underlying cause can be identified and managed appropriately.

Treatment for recurrent UTIs may involve a change in antibiotics, including a longer or low-dose course taken over several months to help prevent further infections. For women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal, vaginal oestrogen treatments, such as creams, gels, tablets, pessaries, or rings, may be prescribed to restore the natural balance of the vaginal tissues and reduce infection risk.

 In some cases, additional medications may be used to both treat the infection and help prevent recurrence. If infections continue despite treatment, a referral to a specialist may be recommended for further investigations and tailored management.

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Conclusion

Urinary tract infections are common but manageable conditions that can significantly affect daily life if left untreated. Recognising early symptoms, understanding the causes and risk factors, and adopting simple preventive habits can greatly reduce the risk of infection. While most UTIs respond well to timely antibiotics and self-care measures, recurrent or persistent symptoms should never be ignored. 

Seeking medical advice ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and identification of any underlying problems. With early intervention, good hygiene, and the right medical support, most people can recover quickly and prevent UTIs from recurring.

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