UTI symptoms all women should know

Katie Schill, FNP

Family Medicine

Urinary tract infections are one of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“If you are a woman, chances are you will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) during your lifetime,” said Katie Schill, nurse practitioner with Prisma Health Telehealth. “UTIs do not just afflict women. Men can develop UTIs as well, just not as commonly. And contrary to some belief, a UTI is not a reflection on one’s hygiene.” 

Katie said some symptoms of a UTI include: 

• Burning or pain while urinating
• Cloudy or dark colored urine
• Foul smelling urine 
• Needing to urinate right now (urgency)
• Needing to urinate all the time (frequency)
• Only being able to go a small amount

Below are signs it may be something worse, warranting a more urgent visit:

• Fever greater than 100.5
• Abdominal or back pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Katie said there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place. She suggests the following:

• Drink lots of water. Steer clear of juices, sodas or sweet teas as the sugar in these can create the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
• Wear cotton underwear. 
• Wipe front to back. 
• Don’t hold your urine, use the restroom regularly.
• Avoid constipation.