UTI symptoms

Burning with urination, urgency, cloudy urine, and pelvic pressure are classic UTI signs. Most uncomplicated UTIs are treated with a short antibiotic course prescribed online.

Also called: urinary tract infection signs · bladder infection · UTI treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed

Seek urgent care or the ER if you have:

  • Symptoms that are sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening
  • High fever (over 103°F / 39.4°C) that doesn't respond to treatment
  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or confusion
  • Signs of dehydration — dizziness, dark urine, unable to keep fluids down
  • Symptoms in someone who is pregnant, immunocompromised, or over 65

What uti symptoms could be

The most common causes a clinician considers. This isn't a diagnosis — it's the differential a provider works through with you.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the more common causes of uti symptoms. A provider can confirm with the right history, exam, or labs — and start treatment the same day when appropriate.

Frequent urination

Frequent urination is one of the more common causes of uti symptoms. A provider can confirm with the right history, exam, or labs — and start treatment the same day when appropriate.

Yeast infection

Yeast infection is one of the more common causes of uti symptoms. A provider can confirm with the right history, exam, or labs — and start treatment the same day when appropriate.

Typical workup

What a clinician usually orders or asks about when someone presents with uti symptoms.

  • Focused history: urgency, frequency, burning, back pain, fever, prior UTIs, pregnancy status
  • Urinalysis and urine culture when available (or empiric treatment for classic uncomplicated cases)
  • Consider imaging (renal ultrasound / CT) for recurrent UTIs, flank pain, or suspected stones

When to see a clinician

  • Symptoms have lasted more than a few days without improving, or keep coming back
  • You're not sure if this needs antibiotics, prescription treatment, or watchful waiting
  • You have a chronic condition (diabetes, heart disease, immunocompromised) that raises the stakes
  • You want a same-day plan without a trip to urgent care

Common questions