How to Tell If You Have a UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) usually appears with symptoms, but not always. If there is a change in your urine or pain when you urinate, a UTI may be present. Urgency and frequency of urination can also be symptoms of a UTI, but the only sure way to get the diagnosis is through tests done by your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• A visit to the doctor to have some tests done for a diagnosis.

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Instructions

• 1

  Cloudy urine or urine that appears bloody or has a foul or strong odor are symptoms of UTI. These are usually the first symptoms to appear when an UTI is present.

• 2

  Burning or pain with urination is also a symptom of a UTI. The infection is along your urinary tract and as urine passes through, it will sting. This is a result of the acid in urine. It is much like pouring rubbing alcohol on a cut.

• 3

  Urinating frequently, along with a strong need to urinate even after you have just gone, is a symptom that often accompanies a UTI. This also can be one of the first indications that a UTI is present.

• 4

  Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen can also be present, but this is usually after the UTI has been left untreated. The pain from this can also be felt in the middle to lower area of your back.

• 5

  Presenting in the kidney, the UTI can cause a low-grade fever, chills, shakes and night sweats. Fatigue and feeling as if you might be coming down with a cold or flu can be present if the infection has made its way to the kidneys.

• 6

  Suspecting you have a UTI should lead you to see a doctor. The symptoms that accompany this type of infection also could be caused by other conditions. The only sure way to know if you have a UTI is to have your doctor run tests, such as a urinalysis, culture or blood work.