Signs and Symptoms of a Bladder Infection
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Medically reviewed by Alexandra Dubinskaya, MD
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, from the uretrha to the bladder to the kidneys. Bladder infections are the most common kind of UTI. These infections occur when your bladder develops an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria that naturally exist in your urinary tract. As a result, you can experience a host of symptoms such as frequent urination or a burning sensation when you pee.
It's important to note that bladder infections affect people assigned female at birth more often than those born male. In fact, more than 50% of people assigned female at birth will experience at least one bladder infection or UTI in their lifetime. This happens because the female urethra (a hollow tube that leads urine out of your body) is shorter than the male urethra. The shorter your urethra, the easier it is for bacteria from your genital area to spread to your bladder.
The symptoms of a bladder infection can vary from person to person. Some people may develop symptoms slowly that worsen over time, while others have more severe symptoms that appear quickly. Learning the signs of a bladder infection and knowing when to seek medical treatment can help you avoid spreading harmful bacteria to your kidneys, which can lead to serious complications.
Dysuria
One of the hallmark signs of a bladder infection is having pain or a burning sensation while you urinate (pee). This symptom is referred to as dysuria. The reason this happens is because the overgrowth of bacteria can cause inflammation and irritation in your urinary tract. As a result, you may have an uncomfortable experience in the bathroom when you need to pee. The inflammation can sometimes also cause a stinging or itching sensation.
Frequent Urination
A bladder infection may often make you feel like you need to use the restroom urgently. You might notice that you're peeing more frequently or have the urge to go to the bathroom even when your bladder is empty. This feeling can happen because bladder infections can irritate and inflame the lining of your bladder, leading to a heightened sensation of needing to urinate.
Urinary Changes
If you develop a bladder infection, it's common to notice changes in your urine. This may cause one or more of the following changes:
Urine that appears cloudy or milky
Darker or discolored urine that may look slightly red or pink
Changes in the appearance and smell of your urine can be due to a combination of the elements in your urinary tract, such as the bacteria that are causing your infection, an increase in mucus production, and white blood cells that your body creates to help clear up your infection.
You may also notice blood in your urine, which can happen when the linings of your ureter and bladder become irritated and cause bleeding along the urinary tract. It's important to note that if you have blood in your urine, you should see a healthcare provider to confirm if you have a UTI or some other condition that is causing this symptom. This is because blood in the urine can also be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as bladder cancer.
Back and Abdominal Pain
Many people with bladder infections commonly experience pain in their back or abdomen (stomach). The pain can feel different for everyone. For some, the pain might feel like a dull pressure, while others have sharp pain. Depending on your symptoms, you might also feel some pain in your pelvic area.
Symptoms in Children
Bladder infections aren’t extremely common in young children, but they do account for the majority of UTIs that kids experience. After two years of age, symptoms of a bladder infection in children are similar to those in adults.
However, you may notice that your potty-trained child may be having an unexpected accident or wets the bed while they sleep. In children under age two, signs of a bladder infection are harder to recognize but can include fever, upset stomach, increased fussiness, and loss of appetite.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you think you may have a bladder infection, it's important to see your healthcare provider for treatment as soon as you can. Sometimes, urinary pain can go away on its own. However, if you have a bladder infection, leaving the condition untreated can cause serious complications.
At your appointment, your healthcare provider can order a urinalysis (urine test) to confirm the presence of an infection. They can also test your urine sample to determine the bacterial cause of your infection so they know which antibiotic treatment is best for you.
Bladder infections don't often warrant urgent medical attention. But, if you have symptoms of a bladder infection and develop a high fever, chills, vomiting, or severe lower or middle back pain, it's important to seek immediate medical care. These symptoms can be a sign that your bladder infection has spread to your kidneys, leading to an inflammatory infection known as pyelonephritis—a potentially serious condition.
A Quick Review
Bladder infections are a type of urinary tract infection that cause symptoms such as painful urination, changes to urinary frequency, bloody urine, and pain or pressure in the abdomen and back. Seeing a healthcare provider if you experience bladder infection symptoms can help your body get rid of the infection quicker, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and lower your risk of developing complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UTI and a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is a type of UTI, which can occur anywhere along the urinary tract (including the bladder).
Can a bladder infection go away on its own?
It’s possible that a mild infection could resolve on its own. A 2020 review of studies found that some women may recover from a bladder infection without the use of antibiotics, and many people prefer to try home remedies first before turning to antibiotics. Still, the majority of bladder infections will need a course of antibiotics for the infection to heal.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection?
With antibiotic treatment, many people feel symptom relief in 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind: for optimal results, you must take the full course of antibiotics that your provider gives you, which can be between five to seven days. Some at-home treatments can also speed up your recovery, like drinking extra fluids and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol.
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