Health A to Z Last updated on 2021-04-06 13:36:05

Burning Sensation When You Pee? Could be UTI

Ms. Smitakshi Guha
2 Min Read
Fact Checked

Urinary tract infection usually occurs in your urinary tract. The urinary tract is made of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In most cases, bacteria living in the gut called the E.coli causes the infection. Fungi and virus are rarely the causative agents for such infections. A doctor can determine the cause of urinary tract infection by performing a simple urine or blood test.

Early symptoms of UTI

Burning sensation while urinating
Urge to pee more frequently
Low back pain or pelvic pain in women
Frothy or cloudy urine
Strong smelling urine
Blood in the urine

In a UTI, bacteria that enters into the urethra multiplies and travels up to the bladder. Though the symptoms of UTI are very uncomfortable and unbearable at times, most of the UTIs are not severe in the lower urinary tract. UTIs can become more severe if not treated on time and can travel to the urinary tract up to the ureters and kidney, causing upper urinary tract infections. This situation can be life-threatening as the infection can spread into the blood, causing sepsis.

Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include:

pain and soreness in the upper back
chills
fever
nausea
vomiting

Though very rare, UTI can occur in men also. Here are some of the symptoms: · rectal pain · painful ejaculation, rarely accompanied by blood in the semen

Causes of UTI

1. Sexual intercourse 2. Spermicide-coated condoms or contraceptive diaphragms 3. Immune suppression 4. Pregnancy 5. Diabetes 6. Low levels of estrogen ( After Menopause) 7. Urinary catheter