Types & Symptoms

There are two main types of urinary tract infections based on the severity of the infection and the area of the urinary tract that is affected.

Uncomplicated UTIs

Uncomplicated UTIs tend to occur in people who are otherwise healthy. An uncomplicated UTI is generally confined to the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra). The symptoms of these infections usually occur suddenly:

A painful and/or burning sensation while urinating
A frequent urge to urinate
Feeling the need to urinate, but passing only a small amount of urine
Pain in the lower abdomen
Milky or cloudy urine
Urine with a foul smell
Blood in the urine

Complicated UTIs and Pyelonephritis

Complicated UTIs occur in people who may be prone to bacterial infections because of underlying diseases (e.g., diabetes) and/or structural or functional abnormalities (e.g., kidney obstruction). A complicated UTI may involve the upper-urinary tract and kidneys and may be referred to as uncomplicated pyelonephritis.

Common symptoms of pyelonephritis include:

Flank pain (pain in the back or side below the ribs)
Fever
Nausea and/or vomiting

Symptoms of UTIs and pyelonephritis may differ slightly depending on your gender, so please visit either Women & UTIs or Men & UTIs for more information.

Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your medication.