It burns when you urinate, and you can't get two steps away from the bathroom before you already feel the urge to go again. Plus, your urine smells kind of funny, and your back and belly hurt a little. Looks like you've got a urinary tract infection (UTI). Or do you?
The most common UTI symptoms can actually be signs of many other conditions, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis so your condition can be treated, if necessary. And if you do have a urinary tract infection, you need prompt UTI treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Here are some common UTI symptoms and other conditions they may signal.
Feeling like you always have to go is a big sign that you've got a UTI — but it can also indicate other problems. Here are some other possible reasons you feel a persistent urge to urinate:
- In men, an enlarged prostate or an infected prostate
- In women, the bacterial infection vaginitis
- Overactive bladder
- An abnormal mass in the pelvic area, which presses on the urinary tract
- Taking a diuretic
- Inflamed tissues in the bladder (interstitial cystitis, which is commonly mistaken for a UTI)
Though it's rare, frequent urination may be caused by cancer of the bladder or some other bladder abnormality. Receiving radiation therapy to treat cancer in the pelvic area may also cause frequent urination.
Pain or Burning When Your Urinate
An uncomfortable or burning sensation when you urinate is another common complaint of people who have a UTI. But another problem could be to blame, such as:
- A sensitivity to fragrances or products, including soap, lubricant, or a douche
- An infection of the vulva or vagina
- Chemotherapy and other drugs
- Kidney stones
If you see a connection between using certain products and discomfort while urinating, don't use them for a while and see if your symptom stops.
Discolored or Bloody Urine
If you suddenly notice that your urine is an unusual color or even like it might be tinged with blood, a urinary tract infection could be the cause. But changes in the color of your urine or bloody urine can also be caused by:
- Taking B vitamin supplements, and certain medications
- Eating things like blackberries, beets, or other red foods that may color the urine
- Liver diseases, including hepatitis
- Some medications
- Cancers of the urinary tract
- Kidney stones
A urinary tract infection may give an unpleasant or strange odor to your urine. Sometimes, taking certain vitamins or eating certain foods (like asparagus) can also give your urine a funny smell.
Other health conditions that can cause your urine to have an odd smell are:
- Diabetes that is poorly controlled
- Other metabolic disorders
- Liver disease
- Being dehydrated and having very concentrated urine
- A fistula (an irregular connection from one part of the body another) between the bladder and rectum
- Ketones in the urine
Pain in the Back or Belly
A urinary tract infection can cause pain in the lower back — but an injury to the back or a slipped (herniated) disk can cause the same symptom. A feeling of pressure or pain around the pelvis or abdomen is another indicator of a possible urinary tract infection. You may experience pain in these areas for a variety of reasons, but a few common ones include:
- Kidney stones
- Constipation or bowel obstructions
- Gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder
- Bowel diseases or abnormalities (like IBS or IBD)
- Lactose intolerance
- Muscle strain in the back
Individually, UTI symptoms can be caused by a number of health problems. But when you add them all up — and get a urinalysis to confirm the presence of bacteria — a urinary tract infection is the likely culprit. If you experience any or all of these symptoms, head to your doctor for a diagnosis and prompt UTI treatment.
Last Updated: 10/29/2010