How do you know if you have a bladder infection?
You may have a bladder infection if you get any one of the following symptoms:
- You need to pee…a lot!
- It burns when you pee, or you get pain when you pee
- You feel like you need to pee, but then hardly any or no pee comes out
- You have constant pain in the lower part of your stomach area, your lower back, or just above your pubic bone
- You get a full feeling in your rectum like you need to poo
- Your urine is pink, has blood in it, or smells weird, strong, or nasty
- You have a mild fever
- You feel more tired than usual.
Symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, feeling sick or vomiting, a high fever or chills, or cloudy or bloody urine may indicate that the infection has moved from your bladder and into your kidneys. This is very serious, and you should see a doctor right away.
Not everyone has symptoms with a bladder infection; 1 in 5 younger women experience no symptoms at all.
References
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/urinary-tract-infections-utis
- Urinary tract infection - causes, symptoms, treatment Southern Cross 2020 https://www.southerncross.co.nz/group/medical-library/urinary-tract-infections-symptoms-treatment-prevention
Read next
Should you take probiotics with antibiotics?
There is controversy about whether you should routinely take probiotics with antibiotics and the question cannot be answered with a straight yes or no. Evidence for taking probiotics with antibiotics includes a Cochrane review which reported that children who were given a course of probiotics after antibiotics had less diarrhea. Evidence against taking probiotics with antibiotics includes a 2019 Italian study that reported that the gut microbiome of people given probiotics after antibiotics took six months to return to its normal state compared to only three weeks for those not given any probiotics. More studies are needed before a definite statement can be made. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol with amoxicillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic amoxicillin. The alcohol will not stop amoxicillin from working. However, many health professionals will recommend you avoid alcohol to give your body the best chance possible to fight the infection. Moderation is key. Continue reading
Does azithromycin cure chlamydia: How much / how long?
A single dose of azithromycin 1 gram orally will cure genital chlamydia according to the CDC Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases but it will take approximately one week to work. You should not have sex during this time, otherwise you may infect your sexual partner with chlamydia. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
- Can you have a vaginal yeast infection if you have no uterus?
- Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?
- What are the common side effects of antibiotics?
- What's the difference between Bacteria and Viruses?
- Doxycycline for STDs: Effectiveness, Dosage and Side Effects
- Monistat-1: white discharge and burning, is this normal?
- What is the best way to reduce swelling in your face?
- What is a normal body temperature?
- If I am allergic to penicillin, is it safe to use amoxicillin?
- What types of infections does Cipro treat?
- Amoxicillin for ear infection: Take how many times a day?
- What's the normal daily dose of amoxicillin 500mg for chest infections?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- Does Flagyl treat UTI infections?
- How often should I take amoxicillin for a sinus infection?
- UTI vs Bladder vs Yeast Infections - What's the difference?
- Can you drink wine while taking penicillin VK 500mg tablets?
- Can amoxicillin be used to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- What is the dose of fluconazole for tinea? Is it is indicated for tinea infections?
- I got Monistat 7 for a yeast infection and after 2 days my symptoms are gone except for an itch.
- Can I use Cipro to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- Pregnancy - is it safe to take ceftriaxone during pregnancy?
- How long does it take for penicillin to leave your system?
- Why is my poop green? What does this mean?
- Yeast Infections
- Sinus Infection vs Cold - What's the difference between them?
Related support groups
- Infections (616 questions, 992 members)
- Urinary Tract Infection (203 questions, 602 members)
- Bladder Infection (62 questions, 159 members)