UTI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
UTI symptoms can be uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes easy to brush off at first.
Maybe it burns when you pee. Maybe you feel like you have to go again right after you just went. Maybe you have lower belly discomfort, cloudy urine, or a strong urge to urinate that will not let up.
It can be tempting to wait and see if symptoms go away on their own, especially when you are busy, traveling, or trying to get through the day. But UTI symptoms are worth paying attention to.
A urinary tract infection can become more uncomfortable over time and may need treatment. Depending on your symptoms and health history, you may also need testing, an in-person visit, or a different level of care.
Here’s what to know about UTI symptoms, when to get care, and how a virtual visit may be able to help.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, happens when germs infect part of the urinary tract.
The urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Many UTIs involve the bladder, but infections can sometimes move higher in the urinary tract.
Common bladder infection symptoms can include burning with urination, frequent urination, feeling the need to urinate even when the bladder is empty, blood in the urine, and pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or groin.
Common UTI Symptoms
UTI symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs may include:
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Feeling a strong or urgent need to go
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic discomfort
If you are noticing these symptoms, it is a good idea to take them seriously, especially if they are getting worse or not improving.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait on UTI Symptoms
When UTI symptoms first start, they may feel mild or manageable. But waiting too long can make symptoms harder to deal with.
A UTI may become more painful or uncomfortable. You may find yourself needing to use the bathroom more often, waking up at night, or struggling to focus because of the constant urge to urinate.
In some cases, an infection can move beyond the bladder and become more serious. That is why symptoms that are worsening, lasting, or changing should not be ignored.
Checking in early can help you understand what is going on and what next step makes sense.
When a Virtual Visit May Help
A virtual visit may be helpful if you have symptoms that sound like a UTI and are not sure what to do next.
During a visit, a provider can ask about your symptoms, how long they have been happening, whether you have had UTIs before, and whether there are any warning signs that suggest you may need in-person care.
Oregon Telemed may be able to help with non-emergency UTI concerns by reviewing your symptoms and discussing next steps. When appropriate, prescription options may be discussed.
Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, a provider may recommend urine testing, an in-person visit, follow-up care, or another level of care.
A virtual visit may be especially helpful if:
- You are busy and cannot easily get into an office
- You are traveling within Oregon
- Symptoms are starting and you do not want to wait
- You are not sure whether symptoms sound like a UTI
- You have questions about what to do next
Oregon Telemed can only see patients who are located in Oregon at the time of the visit.
When In-Person Care May Be Needed
Not every UTI concern is a good fit for telehealth.
Some symptoms, medical histories, or situations may require urine testing, an exam, or in-person evaluation. A provider can help determine what level of care makes the most sense.
In-person care may be more likely if:
- Symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening
- You have frequent or recurrent UTIs
- You are pregnant
- Symptoms are in a child
- You have a known kidney condition
- You have a significant medical condition or complicated health history
- Symptoms are not improving or keep coming back
- You have blood in the urine or concerning changes in symptoms
If you are unsure, it is better to check in than to wait.
When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Some symptoms may mean the infection is more serious or that you need care right away.
Seek in-person or urgent care right away if you have UTI symptoms along with:
- Fever or chills
- Back, side, or groin pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling very weak or very ill
- Symptoms that are rapidly worsening
- Confusion or trouble staying alert
- Signs of dehydration
- Any symptom that feels severe, urgent, or unsafe to manage at home
If symptoms feel severe, urgent, or rapidly worsening, seek in-person or emergency care right away.
What You Can Do While Waiting for Care
While you are waiting to talk to a provider, there are a few simple steps that may help you feel more comfortable.
You can:
- Drink fluids
- Avoid holding urine for long periods
- Use a heating pad on the lower abdomen if comfortable
- Track your symptoms and when they started
- Note whether you have fever, back pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Write down any history of recent UTIs or medication allergies
These steps are not a substitute for medical care, and they do not replace antibiotics or other treatment if a provider determines treatment is needed.
Do not ignore symptoms that are worsening, not improving, or feel concerning.
UTI Symptoms While Traveling or During a Busy Week
UTI symptoms never seem to happen at a convenient time.
They may start before travel, during a busy workday, while attending an event, or when your regular provider does not have appointments available.
If you are located in Oregon and symptoms start while you are away from home, Oregon Telemed may be able to help you talk through what is going on and decide on next steps.
A virtual visit can help determine whether your symptoms may be appropriate for telehealth, whether prescription options may be discussed, or whether in-person care or testing is a better next step.
How Oregon Telemed May Be Able to Help
If you think you may have a UTI, Oregon Telemed may be able to help.
A virtual visit gives you a chance to talk with a provider from home, work, or wherever you are located in Oregon.
You can review:
- Your symptoms
- How long symptoms have been happening
- Whether symptoms are improving or worsening
- Your medical history
- Whether you have had UTIs before
- Whether testing or in-person care may be needed
- Whether prescription options may be appropriate
- What next step makes the most sense
Same-day appointments may be available.
Book online: oregontelemed.com
Call/text: 541-919-8444
If symptoms feel severe, urgent, or rapidly worsening, seek in-person or emergency care right away.
Final Thought
UTI symptoms can be easy to minimize, but they are worth taking seriously.
Burning, urgency, frequent urination, lower belly discomfort, or changes in urine can be signs that it is time to check in.
If you are located in Oregon and think you may have a UTI, Oregon Telemed may be able to help you talk through symptoms and decide what to do next. Depending on your symptoms and health history, a provider may recommend telehealth care, testing, in-person care, or another next step.