Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, uterus, and kidneys. Studies have shown that most UTIs are observed in the bladder and urethra, which is the lower urinary tract. Furthermore, it has been observed that women are more likely to develop or contract these conditions compared to men. In this article, we shall discuss the common symptoms and modes of diagnosing UTIs.

Symptoms of UTIs
There are many types of UTIs; these are differentiated according to the part of the urinary system affected. This means that the signs and symptoms of the conditions can vary to a certain degree. Here are some of the more organ-specific signs and symptoms of UTIs:

1. Cystitis
UTIs are known as cystitis when the bladder is infected. Individuals suffering from cystitis may experience pain in the lower belly, the urge to pee frequently, and pain while urinating. They may also observe that their urine is cloudy or contains blood.

2. Pyelonephritis
A UTI that manifests in the kidneys is known as pyelonephritis. Common signs of pyelonephritis include chills, fever, nausea, pain in the upper back or at the sides of the body, and even vomiting.

3. Urethritis
Urethritis is when the UTI develops in the uterus. This can often lead to a burning sensation while peeing and even results in a high level of vaginal discharge.

Apart from this, there are several common signs and symptoms of UTIs. These include a constant need to urinate, passing small amounts of urine, foul odor in urine, a sensation of burning when peeing, cloudy or bloody urine, and pelvic pain.

Some individuals have no symptoms of having a UTI despite having large amounts of bacteria in their urine. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Diagnosing different UTIs
If an individual showcases all of the signs and symptoms of UTIs, doctors usually confirm their diagnosis with a series of tests. They are as follows:

1. Analyzing the urine sample
One of the most prevalent methods of diagnosing an infection in the body is to look for white blood cells or bacteria. In the case of a UTI, doctors will try to find these in a freshly collected urine sample. To avoid contamination of urine, patients are normally asked to wipe their genitals clean and collect the urine sample midstream.

2. Checking lab cultures
Another common method to confirm the diagnosis of UTIs is by conducting a lab analysis of the urine. This helps doctors find the bacteria causing the infection and also helps them understand which medication will be most suitable.

3. Undertaking a CT scan
Doctors may suggest that you get a computerized tomography to find any abnormalities in the urinary tract. They may also suggest an MRI or ultrasound based on the condition.