Symptoms include:

• Persistent urge to urinate, often with a burning sensation
• Cloudy, strong odor, or blood-tinged urine
• Pelvic pain in women
• Urethritis or infection of the urethra — burning on urination and possible discharge
• Cystitis or bladder infection — pelvic or lower abdominal ache, frequent painful urination with possible blood-tinge
• Pyelonephritis or kidney infection — back or flank pain with possible fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting

Risk factors include:

• Being female increases the risk of getting a UTI because of the relative shortness of the urethra and proximity to the anus and bladder. It is especially common in those who are sexually active, use insertional birth control methods, or are post-menopausal
• Abnormalities of the urinary tract including blockages due to kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
• Suppressed immune system including diseases like diabetes or use of certain medications (steroids) which interfere with the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Recent urinary surgery or catheter use

Diagnostic tests used by AUCNY urologists may include:

• Detailed history and physical examination – requesting details on symptoms, personal and family medical history, social history including smoking habits, physical examination with special emphasis on the bladder area including rectal/pelvic exam
• Urine sample analysis both placing a sample under the microscope and attempting to grow bacteria from the sample in a lab
• Blood test to determine if bacteria has spread into the bloodstream
• Imaging procedures (X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound)
• Cystoscopy – a procedure in which a thin “camera” tube is inserted into the urethra for visualization

As urinary tract infections can result in bacterial spread throughout the bloodstream known as sepsis, prompt urologic treatment is advised. Complications may include recurrent infections, chronic or permanent kidney infection and urethral scarring in men.