UTI symptoms in women: signs of a bladder infection and when to get care

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when germs get into the tube that carries pee out of the body and travel up. Most UTIs are bladder infections. Signs can include:

• Pain or burning when you pee
• Peeing often
• Feeling like you need to pee even when your bladder is empty
• Blood in your pee
• Pressure or cramps low in your belly or groin

Burning and peeing often, with no vaginal discharge or itching, point strongly to a bladder infection.

A kidney infection is less common, but it is more serious. Signs include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Pain in your lower back or the side of your back
• Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up

If you have any of these signs, get seen in person today.

Vaginal discharge or itching makes a UTI less likely. These can be signs of a different problem.

UTI symptoms can also look like a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Ask a doctor if you should be tested for an STI.

Antibiotics treat UTIs. A doctor decides if you have a UTI and which antibiotic is right for you.

• Take every dose the way it was prescribed.
• Do not share your antibiotic or save some for later.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids.
• Tell a doctor if you are not getting better after you start the antibiotic, or if you get worse.

Like all medicines, antibiotics can cause side effects. These range from a mild rash to a bad allergic reaction or a serious type of diarrhea. Contact a doctor if you have side effects.

• Pee after sex.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Avoid douching, sprays and powders in the genital area.

If you get UTIs often, a doctor may suggest more tests and a plan to help prevent them. One test, a urine culture, shows which germ is causing the infection.

Our online UTI visit is for simple bladder symptoms only. Get care in person instead if:

• You have a fever, chills, back pain or pain in your side
• You are throwing up or feel very sick
• You are pregnant or might be pregnant
• You are a man or boy with symptoms when you pee
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• You cannot pee, or you see blood clots in your pee
• Your symptoms started while you were taking an antibiotic, or have lasted more than 7 days
• You have had kidney stones, a recent urinary catheter or recent urinary tract surgery
• You feel confused or very, very tired
• You have vaginal bleeding or pain in your pelvis
• You have had 3 or more UTIs in the past 12 months

We also have a recurrent UTI prevention visit. It is a different visit, and it does not treat a UTI you have right now. It is for women 18 and older with no UTI symptoms right now whose past UTIs were confirmed by a doctor or a urine test and keep coming back: 3 or more in a year, or 2 in 6 months. It is not for a first UTI, pregnancy, blood in your pee, or a history of kidney stones, a urinary catheter or other urinary tract problems. It is also not the right fit if you have diabetes or a weak immune system and your UTIs are often complicated. It helps you plan ways to prevent the next infection.

If you are in Virginia or West Virginia, you can start a UTI visit online at any time. It is for women and for girls 4 and older (with a parent or legal guardian for anyone under 18) with simple bladder symptoms.

You answer a few questions on your phone or computer. There is no video call. A board-certified physician reviews your answers. If an antibiotic is right for you, the doctor can send it to your pharmacy. If you need to be seen in person, the doctor will tell you.

Visits start at $59. You see the price before you pay, and you do not need insurance.