5 Common Signs of a UTI

As many as six in 10 women experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) during their life, so if you're struggling with sudden symptoms, you're not alone.

We take UTIs seriously at the practice of board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Daniel Kushner. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections and life-threatening infections like sepsis. About 8% of pregnant women experience UTIs, which can lead to pregnancy complications like premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Dr. Kushner and our team act fast to relieve discomfort and avoid complications when patients have UTI symptoms. That starts with knowing the most common signs so you can seek help promptly.

1. Strong, persistent urge to urinate

A powerful urge to go, much stronger than what you usually experience, is often the first sign of a UTI. You might feel like you have to pee urgently even if you just went. The sensation doesn’t go away, and you may find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom to release only tiny amounts of urine.

This urge occurs because the UTI irritates the bladder lining. It’s your body trying to flush out the bacteria, but it doesn’t work.

2. Burning or stinging during urination

Painful urination is one of the hallmark symptoms of a UTI. It can feel like a sharp burning or stinging sensation, or even a cramp, as urine passes through the urethra. This happens when urinary tract inflammation causes extreme sensitivity to the urine passing through it.

If you notice this symptom, especially alongside increased frequency, it’s a strong indicator that it's time to seek help.

3. Discolored or smelly urine

Your urine can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside your body. With a UTI, it may appear cloudy or darker than usual. These changes happen when the infection causes higher-than-usual levels of bacteria, pus, or traces of blood in your urine. Urine can also smell bad when you have a UTI.

While changes in urine might also be caused by dehydration or certain foods, when paired with other UTI symptoms, they warrant medical attention.

4. Pelvic pain

UTIs can be painful. Many women experience feelings of pelvic pressure, a deep ache, or even cramping similar to menstrual cramps. The discomfort usually centers around the bladder area and often intensifies as an untreated infection progresses.

5. General fatigue, nausea, or fever

Untreated, a UTI can spread, moving higher in your urinary tract to affect the kidneys. At that point, you might start experiencing fatigue, body aches, fever, chills, and nausea.

These symptoms don’t typically appear until the infection is already severe, so you need to call us right away if you have these issues.

What you can do about a UTI

The good news is that UTIs are treatable, especially when caught early. Pay attention to your body. 

If you're feeling run down with urinary symptoms, call our office for help. Dr. Kushner and our team can perform a simple urinalysis to confirm the infection and prescribe the right treatment.

Antibiotics are the most common and effective solution for UTIs. Dr. Kushner chooses a medication based on your symptoms and medical history. Most women start feeling better within 24-48 hours of starting treatment.

In the meantime, drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may reduce bladder irritation. Dr. Kushner also discusses how to prevent future infections, especially if you’re prone to recurrent UTIs.

You don’t need to tough it out. We’re here to help with fast, discreet, and compassionate care.

Call our office in either Queens and White Plains, New York, to book your appointment.