Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, are infections in the urinary tract that are caused due to bacteria or fungus. These infections are common among many individuals worldwide and can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. In this article, we shall break down the symptoms and ways to diagnose UTIs.

1. Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The symptoms of UTIs can vary depending on the organ or part of the tract that is affected. It can also vary based on the gender of the individual.

When a lower part of the tract is affected, the symptoms could include the following:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Brownish urine that looks like tea
• Pain in the pelvis or rectum
• A strong odor of the urine
• An increase in the frequency of urination

It is important to note that the urethra or bladder is affected when the lower part of the tract is infected.

When the upper part of the tract is affected, symptoms could include the following:

• Chills and fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the upper back or sides of the body

Upper tract infections can affect the kidneys and can be life-threatening. This is because the bacteria from the kidneys can move into the blood. This is known as urosepsis and can lead to shock or death.

The symptoms can also vary based on gender. Men suffering from UTIs can experience pain in the rectum, whereas women can experience pain in the pelvis.

2. Diagnosing urinary tract infections
Before they start treating the sign and symptoms, doctors will first want to confirm their diagnosis of a UTI. Some multiple tests and procedures can be done to diagnose this condition. Here are a few of them.

• Testing a urine sample
  Urine sample tests, one of the most common methods for testing UTIs, look for red blood cells, white blood cells, or bacteria in the urine. The collected sample needs to be devoid of contamination. Most individuals will be asked to first wipe their genitals with antiseptic pads. They will also be requested to collect the urine midstream.
• Urine culture
  Aside from the testing, doctors may also request a urine culture. This test helps the doctor determine the kind of bacteria in the body. It also helps the doctor determine the kind of medications best suited to treat the infection.
• Cystoscopy
  Another way to test for UTIs is to perform a cystoscopy. In this method, the doctor will insert a long tube fitted with a lens into the urethra and bladder. This test helps determine and diagnose recurring UTIs in individuals.