Urinary tract infections
If you are a woman or have female anatomy, you are at a higher risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). Experts suggest that about 50% of women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives, and many may have them repeatedly for years. Around 10% of men will also get a UTI in their lifetime. Children can get UTIs too, but this is uncommon—about 1 or 2 out of every 100 kids. Here are some tips on how to deal with UTIs and ways to reduce your chances of getting one.
UTI Symptoms
The symptoms of a UTI can include:
- A burning feeling when you pee
- A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Pain in the penis or rectum (men)
- Mental confusion (mostly older people)
- Wetting the bed (children and older adults)
If the UTI has spread to your kidneys, you may also get:
- Pain or pressure in your back or lower belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
There are different types of urinary tract infections (UTIs), depending on which part of the urinary system is affected. Cystitis occurs in the bladder, causing frequent urination, painful urination, lower belly pain, and cloudy or bloody urine. Pyelonephritis affects the kidneys and can lead to symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper back or side. Urethritis involves the urethra, leading to discharge and a burning sensation during urination.
