Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are notoriously unpleasant. That burning sensation when you pee, the constant urge to go even when you barely release a drop – these are classic signs most people recognise. But UTIs can be trickier than that. Sometimes, they show up with symptoms that seem unrelated, leaving you confused and potentially delaying crucial treatment.
UTI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
So, while the burning pain remains a red flag, here are some unusual UTI symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:
- Changes in Urine Smell: A strong, unpleasant odour in your urine is one of the earliest UTI symptoms. The smell can vary depending on the bacteria causing the infection.
- Fatigue and Malaise: UTIs can drain your energy, leaving you feeling tired and generally unwell. While fatigue can have many causes, unexplained tiredness alongside other UTI symptoms warrants a check-up.
- Blood in Your Urine: Seeing blood in your urine, even just a few drops, is always a cause for concern and requires immediate medical attention. It could be a sign of infection, kidney stones, or other underlying conditions.
- Back Pain: While a UTI that has not caused complications will not give you back pain, feeling a dull ache or sharp twinges in your lower back, especially on one side, could be a sign your UTI has spread to the ureters or even the kidney. This should call for urgent attention from a medical provider.
- Chills and Fever: While not as common as the burning pain, UTIs can sometimes cause chills and low-grade fever, especially if they spread to the kidneys. This is a sign of a more serious infection and requires prompt medical attention.
- Pelvic Pain: Aching or pressure in your lower abdomen or pelvis, outside the bladder area, can be a UTI symptom, especially if you have other urinary issues. This pain can be more noticeable during sex or urination.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Although less common, some people with UTIs experience nausea and vomiting, particularly those with upper UTIs affecting the kidneys.
- Painful Sex: UTIs can irritate the urethra, making sex painful or uncomfortable. If you experience pain during sex alongside other UTI symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
- Frequent Nighttime Urination: While needing to pee frequently is a classic UTI symptom, waking up multiple times at night to urinate can be particularly disruptive and warrants a doctor’s visit.
- Urgent Urination Without Passing Much: Feeling a sudden, strong urge to urinate but only passing a small amount or just a few drops is another sign that shouldn’t be ignored, especially if accompanied by other UTI symptoms.
Are these all the UTI Symptoms?
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Any unusual urinary changes or discomfort in the lower abdomen area, especially when combined with other symptoms, could be a sign of a UTI.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, especially if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, chills, or blood in your urine. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications from UTIs.
Your doctor can perform a simple urine test to confirm the infection and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. Left untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and lead to serious health problems.
Taking Precautions to Prevent UTIs
While UTIs are common, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Urinate frequently and completely: Don’t hold your urine for long periods.
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet: As opposed to wiping from back to front which can spread bacteria, this prevents bacteria from spreading from your anus to your urethra.
- Empty your bladder after sex: This helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra or vagina
- Consider cranberry supplements: While not a substitute for medical advice, cranberry supplements may offer some preventive benefits.
Conclusion
By being aware of both common and unusual UTI symptoms, taking preventive measures, and seeking timely medical attention when needed, you can stay healthy and avoid the discomfort and complications of UTIs.
Remember, your health is paramount. Don’t wait to get checked if you experience any concerning symptoms.
