UTIs (urinary tract infections) are common yet uncomfortable bacterial infections that can affect both men and women. Factors like female anatomy and reduced estrogen levels during menopause contribute to increased susceptibility for women. UTIs are the second most common infection among women, behind respiratory infections.
Typically caused by bacteria like E. coli, UTIs can be extremely disruptive to everyday life and frustrating to deal with. Recognizing urinary tract infection symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can help prevent further complications. Here you can find out more about UTI symptoms, when to contact a healthcare provider, and how to prevent UTIs.
UTI symptoms can generally be broken down into two categories: urinary symptoms and accompanying pain and discomfort. Symptoms of UTIs typically include:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back
- Pelvic pain (especially in women)
- Discomfort during urination
When left untreated, a UTI can become more severe and affect the kidneys. Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe back, groin, or side pain
- Dark, bloody urine that may have a bad odor
- Painful urination
If a kidney infection is not treated, it may lead to more serious health issues over time, such as reduced kidney function or kidney scarring. In rare cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and require more intensive medical care.
It’s important to seek medical attention when symptoms suggest a possible UTI. The most common first sign of a UTI is typically painful urination.
Early treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from getting worse and spreading to the kidneys or other areas of the urinary system. In addition to timely care, taking steps toward preventing urinary infections is an important part of long-term urinary health.
The most common path to a UTI diagnosis is through a urinalysis and urine culture. Typically, a doctor’s visit includes providing a urine sample, which undergoes urinalysis to detect signs of infection. However, to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment, a healthcare provider should conduct a urine culture, which identifies the specific strain of bacteria causing the infection.
Antibiotics are standard for treating UTIs. By taking a urine culture, your doctor can ensure the right bacteria are being targeted and the right antibiotic is prescribed. This helps reduce the chance of taking unnecessary antibiotics that can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
In the case of recurrent or complicated UTIs, the American Urological Association (AUA) also recommends a physical examination to identify any abnormalities in the urinary tract. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, may be used to provide a more detailed view and support further evaluation.
To help prevent UTIs, it's always a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Urinating soon after sexual intercourse and avoiding irritating feminine products may also reduce the risk of UTIs.
If UTIs are hormone related due to decreased estrogen levels—for example, as a result of menopause or during the postpartum period—vaginal estrogen is the first-line treatment for preventing recurrent UTIs. Topical estrogen can make a significant difference in UTI prevention.
Another way to get ahead of future infections is keeping your urinary tract clean. A science-backed urinary tract supplement like GennaMD can help stop UTI-causing bacteria from adhering to the bladder or urinary tract walls, allowing bacteria to be flushed out of the bladder during urination. To be effective, a cranberry supplement must be made with 36 mg PAC (proanthocyanidins) that are sourced from 100% pure cranberry juice extract—like all of the PAC in GennaMD. This form of PAC is the only kind that is bioavailable and effective for flushing out UTI-causing bacteria compared to most other cranberry supplements, which use whole-berry or presscake PAC made with insoluble skins, stems, and seeds.
If UTIs are a recurring issue for you, working with your doctor to develop a personalized prevention plan can make a meaningful difference.
The most common symptom of a UTI is pain or burning during urination. Increased urinary frequency and increased urinary urgency are also likely.
Seeking medical advice at the onset of UTI symptoms is important for early treatment. It is best to visit a doctor as soon as you start experiencing painful urination or increased urinary urgency.
Urinary tract infections are diagnosed by collecting a urine sample and performing a urinalysis to detect the presence of bacteria. Urine cultures provide insight into what type of bacteria is present and how it should be treated.
