Everything you need to know about spotting a UTI before it gets worse
A bladder infection or UTI (urinary tract infection) is a common condition, especially among women, and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
A bladder infection is the result of bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and then multiplying in the bladder, which is its most common target. It enters your system from improper wiping (the bacteria lives around the anus) or from sexual intercourse.
If you pick up on any of these symptoms, then it’s important that you see your doctor for a checkup and treatment. Of course, this can be expensive, but not if you have health insurance that pays you BEFORE you see the doctor. That’s us. We do that.
Ok, back to a bladder infection.
When the bacteria enters your urinary system, and then your bladder, this can result in an infection which is known as cystitis – basically, your bladder becomes inflamed and irritated. If it is left untreated, then it can spread to any part of your urinary system and even to your kidneys – this is VERY uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important you stop it before it gets to this point.
Here are the signs and symptoms of bladder infection to watch out for:
1. Dysuria (painful urination)
When urinating, if you experience a sharp, stinging sensation, or it feels like it is burning – then this means you have dysuria. This is actually seen in about 3% of adults older than 40 and is especially common in women. It is the tell-tale sign that you might have a UTI.
2. Frequent urination (always urinating)
If you are finding yourself going to urinate more than 8 times a day and you aren’t drinking more liquids than usual, or you wake up more than twice during the night to urinate, then you need to go to a doctor.
The reason why you need to always urinate when you have a bladder infection is because your bladder, from the infection, is inflamed and irritated, meaning it is struggling to store urine.
3. Urinary urgency (feeling like you always need to urinate even when you don’t)
This feeling can be the absolute worst! You just went to the loo, and now you need it again, whether you are stuck in traffic or in a boardroom meeting. This is a sign of a UTI known as interstitial cystitis and you may also feel pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen from this.
4. Feeling very tender in your lower abdomen and lower back pain
If you are feeling extra sensitive in your lower abdominal region and it’s not from period cramps, then you may have an infection. When a bladder infection is left untreated then it can spread to your kidneys and result in a dull lower back pain. When this becomes more serious you may suffer from a fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Read more: Does Health Insurance Cover Emergency Room Triage Treatment?
5. Blood in your urine
This is never a fun thing to see. If you notice some light pink or even dark-red dots in your urine (known as haematuria) then this is a big sign that you have a bladder infection. The blood gets into your urine from a leakage of red blood cells from your kidneys or other tissue in your urinary tract. However, in most UTIs, the blood cells are often too small to see without a microscope.
6. Strong-smelling urine
If there is an infection in your urinary tract, then your urine may have a very strong and foul smell. This is basically your body’s subtle way of telling you that you have an infection. Of course, if you are not drinking enough water, then your urine might also have a very strong smell from being slightly dehydrated and will also be bright yellow in colour. If the problem persists after drinking enough water, then see your doctor.
7. Cloudy urine
Urine is supposed to be clear and light yellow. But if it is murky or cloudy, then this means that the infection in your urinary tract has caused pus which contains bacteria, white blood cells and dead skin cells to appear in your urine.
If you notice any of these signs, especially if you are in pain – then you need to see your doctor. Like we said, it also helps to make sure you have health insurance to aid in covering the costs. Did we mention that at Oneplan we let you go to any doctor you want to?
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