Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Symptoms of a UTI vary depending on where the infection is located.

Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder include:

• Pain or burning when you urinate 
• An urge to urinate often, but usually passing only small amounts of urine 
• Pain in the lower stomach 
• Urine that looks cloudy, is pink or red, or smells bad  

Symptoms of a UTI in the kidneys include:

• Pain in the flank. This is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back. 
• Fever and chills 
• Nausea and vomiting

UTIs are caused by bacteria. The bacteria that most often cause these infections live in the large intestine and are found in stool. Bacteria typically get into the urinary tract through the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

To diagnose a UTI, your doctor will test a sample of your urine to see if it has germs that cause infections. Your doctor will also ask about your past health and do a physical exam.

Your doctor may do other tests if you have infections often, if antibiotics don’t help, or if the infection comes back. You may also need more tests if there is a complication.

Antibiotics can cure most UTIs. If your UTI doesn’t improve after you take antibiotics, you’ll need further evaluation and more antibiotic treatment.