When to Call Your Doctor: UTI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
The unmistakable feeling that something is not right when you visit the bathroom – maybe it’s pain or a burning sensation. Perhaps it feels as if you haven’t completely emptied your bladder but there’s no more urine. The signs that you have a urinary tract infection can differ in individuals and the worst part is not knowing what or why it’s happening and if you need to call your healthcare provider.
What exactly is a UTI?
UTI is short for Urinary Tract Infection but it’s actually a catch-all phrase for an infection that can occur in your urethra, bladder, ureters (the tubes that move urine from the kidneys to your bladder), or kidneys. Most commonly the infections occur in your lower urinary tract, the bladder and urethra, as bacteria can more easily enter the urinary tract through the urethra (where urine exits) and multiply.
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of UTIs, as left untreated, it can have adverse consequences should the infection spread to your kidneys.
Our recurrent UTI guide will break all this down for you - best part - its a free resource!
UTI symptoms you should not ignore
Only an antibiotic can rid your body of an infection – so it’s important to observe and make note should you have the following symptoms and communicate them with your healthcare provider. Please note you may have just one, a few, or all of the following symptoms – UTIs can present in different ways in individuals, no matter your sex.
1. Pain and burning while urinating – this is perhaps the most common (and uncomfortable) sign you have a urinary infection.
2. A constant feeling that you have to urinate or are urinating small amounts frequently. There is nothing worse than not getting relief by feeling as if you cannot fully empty your bladder.
3. Your urine smells pungent (but you didn’t eat any asparagus!) appears cloudy, and/or has blood in it (appears pink, brown, or red).
4. Pain in your pelvis : this symptom is more common in women and can typically be radiating in the center of the pelvis above the pelvic bone.
5. Sudden mental confusion : if you are the caretaker of an older adult, this can sometimes be the most surprising and frightening symptom of a UTI and sadly, is quite often ignored in individuals already diagnosed with dementia. If you observe an abrupt transformation in behavior such as increased distress, confusion, or detachment, this could be the result of an undiagnosed UTI.
I think I have a urinary tract infection, now what?
Make a note of all the UTI symptoms as well as behavior leading up to the presumed infection so your healthcare provider can get an accurate assessment to help treat and prevent future infections.
Many clinicians now offer telemedicine appointments but the challenge can be that they will still want you to come into the office, especially if this is not your first time with a bladder infection. If you experience recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections, more than two in six month or three in a year, then you want to talk to your doctor about options for more targeted testing and treatment. Urology offices have started to offer more comprehensive testing options, as urine dipsticks (often used at urgent care or in a OBGYN office) are not recommended for diagnosing a urinary tract infection.
With the MyUTI Test you can know get access to precise and modern at-home testing. Its shipped directly to your home. A urine sample is easily collected, then mailed directly to the lab for immediate testing. The results are easy to share with a clinician during the in-office or telemedicine appointment. If you think it’s time to work with someone new or find a specialist, we can get you connected to a provider in your area! >>here
Communicating with your healthcare provider will allow you to find fast relief for your UTI with antibiotic treatment. Use this conversation guide to have an empowered discussion about finding solutions for relief.
SOURCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/urinary-tract-infections-utis-dementia
