A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary system. This is the system that makes and stores urine and carries it out of your body. An infection can happen when bacteria get into any part of your urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Most UTIs affect the urethra and bladder.
UTI symptoms can vary depending on:
- Where the infection is
- Your age
- Your sex
- How severe the infection is
Symptoms of Upper Urinary Tract Infections
Your urinary tract has two parts: upper and lower. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys, which make pee, and the ureters, which carry pee to your bladder.
Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include:
- Pain in your side, lower back, or near your vagina or penis
- A high temperature (as high as 103 F)
- Shivering or chills
- Tiredness or weakness
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea
UTI Symptoms in Men
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. When men do get a UTI, often the cause is an enlarged prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate grows it blocks the flow of pee out of the bladder. Bacteria can grow in the pee that’s stuck in the bladder and cause an infection.
In men, a UTI causes symptoms such as:
- A strong urge to pee more often than usual
- Burning when you pee
- A slight fever
- Cloudy, bloody, or smelly pee
- Trouble peeing if your prostate is enlarged
UTI Symptoms in Children
These infections are common in children, especially in girls. About 8% of girls and almost 2% of boys under age 7 will get at least one UTI.
UTI symptoms are different in babies and children than in adults. A baby with a urinary infection may:
- Have a fever
- Throw up
- Act fussy
- Not eat well
Older children may have:
- A fever
- Pain when they pee
- An urgent need to pee more often than usual
- Pain in their lower belly
Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
If bacteria spread into your upper urinary tract, they could damage your kidney. These germs also might get into your bloodstream and cause a very serious infection.
The symptoms of a kidney infection may be more severe than symptoms of other UTIs. You might have:
- A high fever
- Chills
- Pain in your belly, back, side, or near your penis or vagina
- Burning or pain when you pee
- A strong urge to pee
- Nausea and throwing up
- Pus or blood in your pee
- Cloudy or smelly pee
- Weakness or tiredness
When to Contact Your Doctor
Sometimes, a mild UTI will go away on its own, but most of the time you’ll need antibiotics to treat it. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI, such as:
- You have a fever.
- You have pain in your lower belly or back.
- You see blood in your pee.
- Your symptoms don’t go away in a few days.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- You keep getting UTIs.
Taking antibiotics can prevent a UTI from turning into a more serious kidney infection.
Kids with a UTI should always see a doctor. The infection won’t clear up on its own.
Takeaways
UTIs are infections of the urinary tract — the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While some mild infections go away on their own, usually you’ll need antibiotics to treat them. See your doctor if your UTI symptoms don’t improve in a few days or get worse.
UTI Symptoms FAQs
How do I know if I have an infection in my urinary tract?
You’ll know you have a UTI by symptoms such as burning when you pee, pain in your lower belly or back, cloudy or smelly urine, and an urgent need to pee.
What is the main reason for a urinary tract infection?
UTIs happen when bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder. Women get more UTIs than men because they have a shorter urethra that’s closer to their anus. Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract can spread to your urethra if you wipe from back to front after you poop. Germs can also spread to the urethra during sex.
How do you clear a UTI fast?
Antibiotics can treat UTIs. These medicines kill the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Symptoms should improve within 3-5 days after you start taking an antibiotic.
What does UTI pee look like?
Pee is normally pale yellow. With a UTI, the pee may look cloudy or bloody (red, pink, or dark brown).