One of every five women will have at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. And every year, urinary tract infections lead to 10 million doctor visits.
Taking care of a urinary tract infection right away will minimize discomfort and make treatment easier.
Here are some of the beginning symptoms of a UTI that shouldn’t be ignored.
Burning When You Urinate
Burning when you urinate is one of the most obvious symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This symptom may feel like a burning sensation, stinging, or even pain.
While this can be a symptom of other medical problems, the most common cause is a UTI.
Frequent Need to Urinate
If you find yourself needing to urinate more often than usual, you may want to seek UTI treatment.
Track your liquid intake and write down how often you urinate. Is the frequent urination due to an increase in how much you are drinking or does it seem random?
A good indicator that this is a UTI symptom is the fact that even though you feel the urge to urinate more often, you aren’t producing much urine. So you feel the need to use the restroom but you are only able to urinate a small amount each time.
Strong-Smelling Urine
If you notice your urine has a stronger odor than usual, you may have a urinary tract infection.
We don’t recommend you smelling your urine every time you use the bathroom. If you have a urinary tract infection the smell will be noticeable.
If you notice your urine has an odor but you don’t have any additional symptoms you might just be dehydrated. Try to drink extra water and see if you notice a difference in the odor.
Cloudy or Bloody Urine
Beyond just the smell of your urine, a urinary tract infection can also affect its appearance.
Most commonly, you will see cloudy or bloody urine with a UTI. Your urine may have a red or pink tint, indicating blood in the urine.
This is one symptom you should definitely not ignore.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a common UTI symptom in women.
You may feel pain or pressure around the center of your pelvis if you have a urinary tract infection. Women often feel pain around their pubic bone.
Men don’t feel this symptom, but men do often have rectal pain. Yes, men can get a urinary tract infection just like women, it’s just less common.
Beyond the Beginning Symptoms of a UTI
Now that you know the beginning symptoms of a UTI, it’s time to get treatment. Write down your symptoms and set up an appointment with a local healthcare provider.
At Getwell Urgent Care, we will listen to your symptoms, and analyze your urine to get a diagnosis. After that, you will receive a treatment plan. Taking antibiotics is the most common treatment method for UTIs.
Visit Getwell Urgent Care today to treat your UTI.