UTI Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Care
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Introduction
A urinary tract infection can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys1,8. The urethra carries urine out of the body1. The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder1.
Symptoms depend on the part that is infected1,9. A bladder infection often causes burning, urgency, and frequent urination3,6. A kidney infection may cause fever and pain in the back or side2,4.
Knowing the symptoms can help you decide when to get care. This guide explains urinary tract infection symptoms, treatment, and when to seek care. It also covers testing and signs of a kidney infection.
Overview: What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A UTI is an infection in one or more parts of the urinary system1,8. Most UTIs affect the bladder or urethra3,8. These organs form the lower urinary tract3.
A bladder infection is also called cystitis1,2. A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis1,2. The kidneys are part of the upper urinary tract9.
Bladder infections are more common than kidney infections2. Kidney infections are less common, but they can be more serious2,8. An infection may spread from the bladder to the kidneys1,2.
The infection site can affect testing and treatment4,7. A simple bladder infection may be diagnosed from symptoms and health history4,10. A suspected kidney infection usually requires a urine culture4.
Bladder infections versus kidney infections
A bladder infection affects the lower urinary tract3,8. It often causes pain during urination, urgency, and frequent urination3,6. It may also cause pressure above the pubic bone3,6.
A kidney infection affects one or both kidneys1. It may start after bacteria move upward from the bladder1,2. Symptoms may include fever and pain in the back or side2,4.
Kidney infection symptoms need prompt medical care2,8. A kidney infection can become serious if care is delayed2,8.
Who has a higher risk of a complicated UTI?
An uncomplicated UTI occurs without major health or urinary tract problems3,5. A complicated UTI involves factors that may make treatment less effective4. These factors may also raise the risk of a serious outcome4.
Factors that can change UTI care include:
Structural urinary tract problems3,5
Pregnancy and male sex can change how clinicians manage a UTI4,5. A blockage or catheter may make an infection harder to treat4,5. Diabetes and immune suppression are also complicating factors5.
People with these risks may need urine testing or a culture4. They should seek medical advice instead of relying only on home care.
Causes of a UTI
Causes: How bacteria enter the urinary tract
Most UTIs begin when bacteria enter the urethra1,2. These bacteria often come from the skin or rectal area2. They can then move upward into the bladder1,2.
Most infections develop in the bladder1. Bacteria may spread from the bladder to one or both kidneys1,2. A kidney infection is more serious than a bladder infection2,8.
Urinary stasis can raise the risk of acute cystitis6. Urinary stasis means urine does not flow or drain as it should. Structural problems can also make a UTI more complex3,5.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
UTI symptoms vary based on the site of the infection1,9. Lower UTIs often cause symptoms during urination3,6. Kidney infections can cause fever and pain in the back or side2,4.
Some UTI symptoms can have other causes4,10. A clinician can review the full pattern and decide if tests are needed4,10.
Symptoms of a bladder or lower urinary tract infection
Acute cystitis often causes painful urination, frequency, urgency, and lower belly discomfort3,6. Acute cystitis is a bladder infection that starts over a short time1,3.
Bladder infection symptoms may include:
Pain or burning during urination2,3
A strong urge to urinate8,9
Urinating more often than usual3,6
Passing only small amounts of urine8,9
Pressure or pain above the pubic bone3,6
Blood may make urine look red, pink, or cola-colored8. However, urine color alone cannot confirm a UTI7,10.
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine can occur with a lower UTI9. Yet odor or cloudiness alone cannot diagnose an infection7,10. A clinician will also review symptoms, health history, and test results4,7.
Kidney infection symptoms
Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and flank pain may point to pyelonephritis2,4. Flank pain occurs in the side or back near the ribs. These signs are more serious than symptoms limited to the bladder2,4.
Possible kidney infection symptoms include:
Pain in the back or side2,4
Bladder symptoms followed by new flank pain4
Clinicians may suspect pyelonephritis when bladder symptoms occur with sudden flank pain4. Pain when that area is touched can also support the diagnosis4. A urine test may show bacteria or white blood cells4.
White blood cells in urine are called pyuria4. Pyuria can support a diagnosis when UTI symptoms are also present4.
A kidney infection needs prompt care because it can be serious2,8. Seek care without delay for fever with back or side pain2,4.
Conditions that can look like a UTI
Painful or frequent urination does not prove that bacteria caused the problem4,10. A clinician must look at the full set of symptoms4,10.
Vaginal symptoms are important during this review4. In women, burning and frequency without vaginitis strongly suggest acute cystitis4. Vaginitis means irritation or swelling of the vagina.
Men with urinary symptoms may need an exam for prostatitis4. Prostatitis means swelling or infection of the prostate.
Other causes of bladder swelling may produce similar symptoms10. Structural problems can also cause urinary concerns10. Imaging may help find another cause when a clinician thinks it is needed10.
How a UTI Is Diagnosed
UTI diagnosis often starts with a review of symptoms and health history4,10. Some people also need a urinalysis or urine culture3,4. The testing plan depends on the symptoms and risk factors4.
Medical history and symptom review
A clinician may ask about pain, urgency, frequency, fever, and flank pain. These signs help show whether the bladder or kidneys may be involved3,4.
Health history plays a key role in diagnosing acute cystitis4,10. Classic bladder symptoms may support a diagnosis without complex tests4,10.
In women, painful and frequent urination can strongly support acute cystitis4. This is most true when vaginal symptoms are absent4. Vaginal discharge or irritation may suggest another cause4.
The clinician may also ask about past infections and other health problems. Complicating factors can affect whether a urine culture is needed4.
Urinalysis and urine culture
A urinalysis checks urine for signs that may support a UTI diagnosis7,10. It can detect white blood cells, red blood cells, blood, and bacteria7,10.
A clinician may request a clean, midstream urine sample7. The patient starts urinating before collecting the sample7. This method helps keep outside bacteria from entering the sample7.
A urine culture grows bacteria from the urine in a lab7. It can identify the organism that caused the infection7. It can also show which antibiotics may work7.
A urine culture is generally advised for a suspected kidney infection4. It may also help with repeated or complicated infections4. A culture can be useful when the first treatment fails4,7.
Cultures are also advised for men with UTIs4. The results can guide a change in treatment when needed7.
When additional testing may be needed
Imaging is not usually needed for a simple bladder infection10. It may help when the clinician suspects another cause10.
An X-ray or ultrasound may find a problem with urinary tract structure10. These tests may also find another cause of bladder swelling10. The clinician chooses tests based on symptoms and health history4,10.
Repeated infections may require more evaluation4. Symptoms that continue after treatment may also require more tests4,7.
A healthy adult may need a different plan than someone with fever4,5. Pregnancy, male sex, or urinary blockage may also change the plan4,5. Urinary tract problems can affect testing and care as well4,5.
Treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection
UTI treatment depends on the type and site of the infection6,7. The person’s health and test results may also affect care7. A clinician must first decide if bacteria are the likely cause.
Prescription antibiotics for bacterial UTIs
Antibiotics commonly treat active bacterial UTIs2,7,10. However, the same antibiotic is not right for every infection6,7.
The choice should fit the type and site of the infection6,7. The patient’s health and local drug resistance patterns also matter6,7. Resistance means that an antibiotic can no longer kill certain bacteria.
Culture results can guide the antibiotic choice when they are available7. Treatment can differ for bladder and kidney infections4,7. Pregnancy, male sex, and other risks can also change the plan4,5.
Take antibiotics exactly as the prescribing clinician directs. Do not share antibiotics with another person. Do not use medicine left from a past illness.
Bacteria in a new infection may not respond to an old antibiotic7. A culture can show which medicines are most likely to work7.
Ask the prescribing clinician if you have questions about the medicine. The clinician can explain the treatment plan based on your needs.
Safe ways to manage discomfort
Antibiotics treat bacterial UTIs2,7. Comfort care may help ease some symptoms. It does not replace medical treatment when antibiotics are needed2,7.
Pain during urination can make normal tasks hard. Ask a clinician which pain relief choices are safe for you.
Do not judge recovery only by urine color, smell, or cloudiness. These features alone cannot show whether an infection is present7,10.
Instead, watch the symptoms that led you to seek care. These may include pain, urgency, frequency, fever, or flank pain2,3,4.
What to do if symptoms continue or return
Symptoms that persist or worsen after treatment need another medical review4,6,7. The bacteria may resist the prescribed antibiotic6,7. The first diagnosis may also be wrong4,10.
Ongoing symptoms may point to kidney involvement or another cause4,10. A clinician may order a culture if one was not done before4,7.
Culture results can identify the bacteria and guide antibiotic treatment7. They may be useful when the first treatment does not work4,7.
Symptoms that return after treatment also need follow-up. Repeated UTIs may call for a culture or more tests4.
New fever or flank pain can suggest kidney involvement4. Seek prompt care if either symptom starts or becomes worse2,4.
When to See a Doctor for UTI Symptoms
Painful or lasting UTI symptoms should receive medical attention2,3,10. Prompt care is vital when symptoms suggest a kidney infection2,4. Complicating factors can also change how soon care is needed4,5.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact a healthcare professional for new or lasting UTI symptoms. These may include:
Pain or burning during urination2,3
A strong or lasting urge to urinate3,8
Passing only small amounts of urine8
Lower belly or pelvic discomfort3,8
Visible blood in the urine8
Symptoms that return after treatment4
Symptoms that worsen during treatment4,6,7
Pain, urgency, and frequency are common bladder infection symptoms2,3,6. Visible blood may also occur with a UTI8. A clinician can decide if urine testing is needed4,7.
Do not diagnose a UTI from urine odor or appearance alone7,10. A symptom review and urine tests provide better information4,7,10.
When UTI symptoms may require urgent care
Seek prompt medical care for fever with back, side, or flank pain. This pattern may signal pyelonephritis2,4.
Other concerning symptoms include:
Bladder symptoms with sudden flank pain4
These signs are not typical of an infection limited to the bladder2,4. Kidney infections are less common than bladder infections2. They are also more serious2.
Do not wait for a routine visit when kidney infection symptoms appear. Contact an urgent care service or another medical service promptly.
Special situations needing prompt evaluation
Some health factors can make a UTI more complex4,5. They may also change testing or antibiotic choices4,7.
Prompt medical advice is important for:
People with urinary catheters2,4
People with urinary blockage4
People with immune suppression5
People with urinary tract abnormalities3,5
People with repeated UTIs4
Pregnancy changes how clinicians classify and manage a UTI4,5. Male UTIs are also classed as complicated in the cited clinical review5.
Catheters and urinary tract problems may make treatment harder4,5. Diabetes and immune suppression are also linked with complicated UTIs5.
A clinician may recommend a urine culture in these cases4. The results can identify the bacteria and help guide treatment7.
Seek follow-up if symptoms do not improve after treatment starts4,6,7. Also seek care if fever, vomiting, or flank pain develops2,4.
Treatment failure may mean the bacteria resist the medicine6,7. It may also mean the first diagnosis was wrong4,10. Kidney involvement or another problem may need to be ruled out4,10.
Conclusion
Knowing urinary tract infection symptoms, treatment, and when to seek care supports timely action. Burning, urgency, frequency, and lower belly pain are common cystitis symptoms3,6.
Fever, chills, vomiting, and flank pain may point to a kidney infection2,4. These warning signs need prompt care because kidney infections can be serious2,8.
Antibiotics commonly treat bacterial UTIs2,7,10. The choice should fit the infection type and the patient’s needs6,7. Culture findings and local resistance patterns may also guide the choice6,7.
Symptoms that persist, worsen, or return need another medical review4,6,7. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and adjust treatment when needed4,7,10.
Evidence used in this article
- 1. Urinary tract infection - adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Urinary tract infection - adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Skip navigation
URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000521.htm
# Urinary tract infection - adults
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The infection can occur at different points in the urinary tract, including the:
- Bladder -- An infection in the bladder is also called cystitis or a bladder infection.
- Kidneys -- An infection of one or both kidneys is called pyelonephritis o
- 2. Urinary Tract Infection Basics | UTI | CDC
Urinary Tract Infection Basics | UTI | CDC
# Urinary Tract Infection Basics
Jan. 22, 2024
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## Key points
- Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Antibiotics treat UTIs. Your healthcare provider can determine if you have a UTI and what antibiotic you need.
## Overview
The urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra and kidneys (see figure). UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, e
- 3. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice. They primarily affect the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and associated structures. Unlike complicated UTIs, uncomplicated cases occur in otherwise healthy individuals without structural abnormalities in the urinary tract or significant comorbidities. Although some cases may resolve spontaneously, many patients seek therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent pot
- 4. Urinary Tract Infection - NCBI Bookshelf
History. Diagnosis is primarily made by history. In women with dysuria and urinary frequency, in the absence of vaginitis, acute cystitis is the diagnosis 90% of the time [IC*]. Complicated cystitis is associated with factors that either increase the risk of serious outcomes or decrease the efficacy of treatment (Table 1). Diagnose pyelonephritis based on symptoms of cystitis plus acute onset of flank pain or tenderness, with a urinalysis indicating bacteriuria or pyuria. In men, consider if pro
- 5. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (Nursing) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder and associated structures. These are patients with no structural abnormality and no comorbidities, such as diabetes, immunocompromised, or pregnant. Uncomplicated UTI is also known as cystitis or lower UTI. Forty percent of women in the United States will develop a UTI during their lifetime, making it one of the most common infections in women. UTI is uncommon in circumcised males, and by definition, any male UTI
- 6. Acute Cystitis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
tract infection (
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The condition typically arises from ascending infection by uropathogens, most commonly Escherichia coli, facilitated by risk factors such as female sex, sexual activity, pregnancy, urinary stasis, and postmenopausal changes. Bacterial adherence to the uroepithelium initiates an inflammatory response resulting in dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and suprapubic discomfort.
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Diagnosis is based on urinalysis and urine culture findings. Management involves antimicrobial t
- 7. Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
You may be asked for a urine sample
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A lab can check the urine for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. You may need to first wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad and then collect the urine midstream, a second or two after you start passing urine into the toilet. This helps prevent the sample from being contaminated.
...
- Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab. Lab analysis of urine is sometimes followed by a urine culture. This test checks what bacteria are causing the
- 8. Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
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Women have a higher risk of getting UTIs than men. A urinary tract infection that affects the bladder can be painful and annoying. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, the condition can be serious.
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Healthcare professionals often treat urinary tract in
- 9. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the organs of your urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms depend on the part of the urinary tract affected.
...
Most UTIs only
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the urethra and bladder
...
. But UTIs can involve the
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ters and kidneys in the upper tract. Although upper
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UTIs are rarer than lower tract UTIs, they’re also usually more severe.
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## What are the symptoms of a UTI?
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Symptoms of a UTI depend on what part of the urinary tract is i
- 10. Cystitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
If you have symptoms of cystitis, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. Your provider can diagnose cystitis based on your symptoms and medical history.
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When more information is needed for a diagnosis or treatment plan, your provider may recommend:
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- Urine analysis. For this test, you collect a small amount of urine in a container. Your provider checks the urine for signs of infection, such as bacteria, blood or pus. If bacteria are found, you may also have a test called
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