Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a burning sensation when urinating, an increased frequency of urination even though small amounts of urine are passed, and cloudy, bloody and dark urine, according to Healthline. Women with urinary tract infections may experience pelvic pain, whereas men may experience rectal pain.
Both men and women can get this infection but a man may experience rectal pain instead of the pelvic pain a woman might have, according to Mayo Clinic.
Bacteria from hygiene practices, such as wiping from the rectum toward the urethra, increase the risks of developing a urinary tract infection, according to WebMD.
When the urinary tract infection has traveled to the kidneys, also known as an upper urinary tract infection, patients may experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and tenderness in the sides and upper back, according to Healthline. The condition could be life threatening if the bloodstream is infected with bacteria from the infected kidney.
Urinary tract infections are typically diagnosed through a urine test, according to WebMD. The urine is tested for the presence of bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. Once the infection is diagnosed, physicians typically prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Some physicians also recommend hydrating with water and cranberry juice to flush out the bacteria that has developed. In severe cases, pain medication may be prescribed to relieve the pressure the infection causes.
