A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused due to infection from microbes. Most UTIs are bacterial, but some may be caused due to viruses and fungi as well. They are one of the most common infections in people and can occur anywhere in your urinary tract. The best way to avoid complications is to know about the symptoms and diagnosis of UTI for early detection.

Symptoms

1. Frequent urination
People with a UTI often have the urge to urinate frequently without passing too much urine. It could mean frequent trips to the bathroom that can interfere with your day-to-day life.

2. Burning sensation
If you notice a burning sensation at the time of urination, you must consider it a warning sign and discuss it with your gynecologist for further examination.

3. Blood in urine
When the bacterial infection from UTI causes irritation and inflammation, your urine may appear light pink or cola-colored due to the presence of blood. While this is a common symptom, it is important to see your doctor immediately if you notice blood in your urine.

4. Strong odor
Foul-smelling and cloudy urine is one of the most noticeable symptoms of UTI. This is because of the bacteria present in it.

5. Pain and discomfort
Women with UTI may experience consistent pain in their pelvic region and men with UTI may suffer from rectal pain. If you face persistent discomfort in your pelvic/rectum area, you must see a doctor.

Diagnosis
Here are some of the tests and procedures that doctors use to diagnose a UTI.

1. Urine sample
Your doctor will ask you for a urine sample to look for the bacteria, red blood cells, and white blood cells present.

2. Urine culture
Sometimes, the doctors may follow the analysis of your urine by growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab, also known as a urine culture. This test is conducted to know more about the bacteria that may be causing your infection. It helps your doctor give you the most effective medication.

3. Creating urinary tract images
If you face this condition frequently, the doctor may want to analyze your urinary tract for any abnormality. They may either recommend an ultrasound, a CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

4. Cystoscopy
If you are dealing with persistent episodes of UTIs, your doctor may recommend a cystoscopy, a procedure carried out by long, thin tubes that help them see inside your bladder. This cystoscope is passed through your bladder and inserted in the urethra to get a close examination.

Knowing about the symptoms of UTI will help you flag the problem in its early stages and get a timely diagnosis. Your doctor will carefully assess your symptoms and recommend suitable tests for the same. In most cases, the condition can be treated with the help of antibiotics.