Urinary tract infections, or UTI’s, are a very common condition for women. If you recognize the symptoms, you can treat it quickly and easily. But, if you don’t know you’re suffering from a UTI, the infection could make its way to your kidneys, and that can be a serious problem. So, keep reading to learn seven common UTI symptoms.
Urine has a pinkish or brownish color
If there’s bacteria or blood in your urine, it can alter the color of it. If your pee doesn’t look clear or light yellow, and instead it’s pink or brownish, you might have a UTI.
Urine smells like ammonia
Ammonia is a chemical with a distinct pungent smell, and if you have a UTI, your natural ammonia levels can actually increase, making urine stink.
You feel like you have to urinate, but nothing happens
The urge to urinate isn’t because you actually have to pee. Instead, the bacteria from the UTI causes irritation in the bladder and urethra, making you feel like you have to go.
It burns when you urinate
The UTI bacteria can irritate and inflame the urethra, and this can cause a burning sensation when you urinate.
Abdominal cramps
If you experience cramping – especially outside of your typical PMS symptoms – you may have a UTI. And it’s especially important to address these pains before they become sharp and move to your lower back. This could be a sign that the UTI has traveled up into the kidneys.
You don’t have much of an appetite
If your UTI is advanced or is making its way up t the kidney, you may lose your appetite and even experience nausea and vomiting.
Gym leggings and panties are uncomfortable
It’s never a good idea to sit in sweaty gym gear, because these damp materials make it easy for infections to grow in general. And if you already have a UTI, sweaty leggings and panties will only exacerbate your symptoms.