Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract like the urethra, ureter, kidneys, or bladder. Women are at a higher risk of developing UTI compared to men, and UTIs don’t always exhibit symptoms, which makes them difficult to understand or diagnose. While one might not always be able to notice the early warning signs of UTI, some common symptoms can include the following:
1. Inability to resist the urge to urinate
This urge is also more frequent than usual. If one notices this even when they are not drinking more water, it might indicate UTI. This urge to urinate is due to the inflammation of the urethra and bladder.
2. The urine starts to look darker than usual
If an individual has observed that their urine is light yellow or clear, a darker color is something that should not be ignored. If one notices unusually foul-smelling urine, that might also point to UTI. People who drink adequate water and stay hydrated have odorless urine, and one should ensure that they take corrective measures to fix anything else.
3. Inability to urinate fully
One might feel like they are unable to empty their bladder when they urinate. This is caused due to inflammation, which causes the opening to narrow and only a small amount of urine passes through each time they urinate.
4. Increase in the frequency of urination
This is one of the early warning signs of UTI, especially if one knows that they are not drinking more water than usual and still feel the urge to urinate. Also, if the urine appears cloudy and if one gets a feeling that the urine will leak, it is another indicator of UTI.
5. A burning sensation while urinating
Another early warning sign of UTI is the feeling of a tingling sensation. This can either be before or during the time of urination and is caused due to the inflammation of the tissue. When the urine passes through, it can lead to uncomfortable sensations that can also vary in severity.
6. Pin in the lower abdomen
When the bladder tries to fight the infection, it can cause pain in the individual’s lower abdomen. This is another early warning sign of UTI that one should watch out for and consult a doctor if it manifests. One might experience a cramp-like pain or a dull ache in the lower abdominal area, and this might be accompanied by chills and fever, which is a red flag.
UTI can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, so knowing the early warning signs is key to preventing the infection from worsening. If the symptoms persist for over a day, it is best to consult a doctor and get the necessary treatment on time to avoid any further complications.