Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common type of infection for which women consult a doctor. It is 10 times more common in women than men. The structures that form the urinary tract include the bladder, kidneys, the tubes that connect them (ureter) and the tube through which urine leaves the body (urethra). The urinary tract makes urine and carries it out of your body.

[Read: Tips to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection]

The kidney and ureter are part of the upper urinary tract and the bladder and urethra form the lower urinary tract. In most women, the bladder gets infected in UTI. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the kidneys. Infection of the bladder is not considered serious, but infection of the kidneys is serious and can damage the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Several different types of bacteria can cause UTI. Urinary tract infection in women can either be symptomatic or without symptoms. Symptoms of UTI depend on whether the lower urinary tract is infected or the upper urinary tract is infected.

Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection

Some common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection in women are:

• cloudy urine
• increased frequency of urination (i.e. you may have to urinate more frequently either during the day, at night or both)
• pain or discomfort while urinating
• urgency to urinate (i.e. holding urine becomes more difficult when you have an urge to urinate)
• foul smell or unpleasant smell in urine
• blood in urine (haematuria)
• pain in lower part of abdomen
• a feeling of soreness or tenderness around the pelvis
• back pain
• not feeling well, malaise
• fever

[Read: How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection in Women]

Symptoms of upper urinary tract infection

Some common symptoms of upper urinary tract infection in women are:

• fever (temperature of 380C or 100.40F or above)
• chills
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• back pain or pain in your side or groin (can vary in severity from moderate to severe and this may worsen on passing urine)
• not feeling well, malaise

The infection from upper urinary tract can spread to lower urinary tract if it is not treated timely and appropriately. In this case, you may experience symptoms of a lower UTI as well.

Read more articles on Urinary Tract Infection in Women.