What Are Signs of a Bladder Infection in a Female?

A bladder infection, also referred to as cystitis or urinary tract infection (UTI), is a common condition among females. This is because a woman has a shorter urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) than a man, and bacteria can easily enter the urinary tract. It is important to recognize and treat a bladder infection as soon as possible. Kidney infections, which are more severe, can develop when a bladder infection goes untreated. Certain signs may indicate that a female has a bladder infection.

Painful/Urgent Urination

• An urge to urinate more frequently can be one of the first signs of a bladder infection. It may also burn when a woman urinates while she has an infection. These symptoms can be treated with special medication; however, the infection will not be sufficiently cured without antibiotics.

Cloudy /Bloody Urine

• Women who have a bladder infection will often produce cloudy, concentrated urine. Sometimes, the urine appears very dark instead of clear or light yellow. Traces of blood are often present in the urine during a bladder infection. According to the Merck Online Medical Library, about 30 percent of patients with a bladder infection will have visible blood in the urine.

Back/Abdominal Pain

• "Flank pain," which is pain in the side or lower back, is common with bladder infections. Some women may also feel pain or a sense of fullness in the abdomen. The pain may radiate to the groin as a woman urinates. The level of pain varies with each patient, and elderly women are less likely to experience overt symptoms like back or abdominal pain.

Nausea/Vomiting

• Bladder infections will sometimes cause stomach upset, leading to nausea and vomiting. Some women may feel nauseous from the extreme pain they are experiencing. Other women may find that the nausea increases once they begin treating the infection with medication. Those with a bladder infection should consume as much water as possible. If vomiting occurs, it is extremely important to replenish lost fluids and help flush bacteria out of the bladder.

Fever/Chills

• Fever and chills can accompany a simple bladder infection, although they aren't common in patients who treat the problem immediately. Fever and chills may be an indication that the bladder infection has spread to other areas of the urinary tract, such as the kidneys. Since a kidney infection is a more serious condition, a high fever should be brought to the attention of a patient's physician immediately.