Pain in the Lower Abdomen and Other Symptoms of a UTI

If you are experiencing pain in your stomach, there are several possible causes. Some are minor, while others are major disorders that may need surgery. One cause of lower abdominal pain that cannot be ignored is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). These infections need to be treated with antibiotics. The experts at  BASS Urgent Care offer the following information to help you decide if you need to seek medical care.

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain?

There are multiple causes of lower abdomen pain. Some are as simple as indigestion but others are some major disorders that need to be addressed. Urinary Tract Infection can be one of these disorders. You may need an antibiotic to clear this infection. You also want to rule out gallbladder disorders, stomach ulcers, or other major stomach problems. If you are experiencing fever and fatigue, be sure to consult a physician. 

Symptoms of Some Disorders

These disorders cause abdominal pain and may indicate a serious disorder that requires a physician evaluation.

Gallbladder Symptoms:

• Stabbing Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Chronic diarrhea
• Unusual stools or urine
  

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms:

• Burning pain in your middle or upper stomach
• The pain disappears when you eat or take an antacid
• Bloating of the stomach area
• Persistent heartburn: temporarily relieved with antacid
• Nausea or vomiting
  

What are the Symptoms of a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which involves several organs. Most infections involve the bladder and the urethra. 

The following symptoms will help you evaluate your stomach pain to determine if you believe you have a UTI:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate frequently, yet only a small amount of urine is passed
• A burning sensation each time you urinate
• Urine that appears cloudy, red, bright pink, or dark 
• Urine that has an odor
• Pelvic pain in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone

UTI symptoms usually involve the urinary systems versus some other problems that also involve other systems. These UTI symptoms will help you decide if your problem is a UTI or something else. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consult medical care.  

What are the Causes of a UTI?

Some women are more likely to get UTIs. The shape of their urinary tract makes them more susceptible to getting the infection. Women with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or undergoing hormone changes are at higher risk. Women with a short urethra, the tube that takes your urine from the bladder to the outside of your body, are at a higher risk of developing UTIs. Having sex can also introduce bacteria into your urinary tract. Physicians recommend that women always wipe front to back after urinating to prevent bacteria from the intestines from traveling to your urethra via wiping. 

Tips to Avoid Getting a UTI or repeated UTI

• Try to fully empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need
• Always wipe front to back
• Drink water, a lot of water
• Cranberry juice has been reported to help
• Do not use feminine hygiene products
• Always empty your bladder and clean your genitals after sex
• Keep your genitals dry and airy by wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding tight clothes

There are numerous ways to get a UTI, and you need treatment if you are experiencing UTI symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI or any other lower abdominal problem, reach out to our team today. Contact BASS Urgent Care at 925.350.4249