A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract, typically via your genital or anal area. UTI pain can be uncomfortable but can usually be treated with antibiotics. They usually affect the bladder, known as cystitis. Infections in the bladder can also spread to the kidneys, which is a more serious condition known as pyelonephritis. UTIs cause a variety of symptoms, including stomach cramps. In this article, let us understand more about it.1
A bladder infection is the most common type of UTI caused due to bacteria. It can cause problems such as lower abdominal pain and the need to pee much more frequently than usual.2
A UTI can affect any part of your urinary system, like the urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. Does a UTI cause stomach pain? Or can UTI cause abdominal pain? Can UTI cause severe lower back pain? Keep reading to know more!
Does UTI cause stomach pain and back pain?
Yes, these are the common UTI pain areas and stomach pain (or cramps) is a common symptom of UTIs. It might also be described as pressure or soreness. So, can UTI cause severe pain? UTI can cause severe lower back pain and also in the pelvic region. The bacteria that cause a UTI might enter your urinary tract lining. This, in turn, might cause inflammation and irritation. Also, urine provides an ideal environment for these bacteria to multiply.
In addition to pain and cramps, some of the UTI pain symptoms are:
- A painful or burning sensation while peeing
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy and foul-smelling urine
- An urgency to urinate (even if your bladder is empty)
- Blood in your urine
Can UTI cause a kidney infection?
A UTI can spread from your bladder to your kidneys, resulting in a more severe infection known as pyelonephritis. Some symptoms include:
- Pain in your middle or backside
- Fever and chills
- Nausea or vomiting
If left untreated, pyelonephritis can cause kidney damage and, in rare cases, sepsis, which can be fatal.3
How to relieve UTI pain at night?
Rest is essential for your recovery. However, some uncomfortable symptoms that may accompany a UTI might make it difficult to sleep.
Here are some things you can do at home to help you sleep better and help in UTI pain relief:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to aid in the elimination of bacteria and reduce urine infection pain.
- Avoid alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks which have caffeine or citrus juice. These irritate your bladder and increase the urgency and frequency with which you need to urinate.
- Avoid consuming a lot of fluids before going to bed.
- Wear incontinence pants or an incontinence pad to relieve the concern of urinating in your sleep or allow you to avoid getting out of bed to urinate.
- Warm your abdomen with a hot water bottle or heating pad to relieve bladder discomfort or pressure.
- Empty your bladder before going to bed.
- Take your antibiotic course exactly as prescribed by your doctor.4
Should I go to the hospital for UTI pain?
If you suspect you have a UTI, consult your doctor immediately, especially if you have any of the following symptoms:
- You have UTI symptoms
- The symptoms are severe or worsening.
- The symptoms are not improving even after a few days
- You get UTIs frequently
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections depending on your symptoms. Pinky Promise also has friendly and experienced gynacs available at its platform where you can consult with them @59/- only! Download the Pinky Promise app now and get your urinary tract infections issues sorted!
How long should pain from UTI last?
Your symptoms should diminish after three to five days of starting medication. However, even if you are feeling better, you must complete the entire course of antibiotics prescribed to you. Paracetamol and other over-the-counter painkillers can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help in your recovery. Return to your doctor if you still notice the symptoms of a UTI, if they worsen, or return after treatment.5
Is UTI pain an emergency?
If you have signs of a UTI or have been diagnosed with a UTI and your symptoms are worsening, you should contact a doctor. You could require a different treatment. Look out for symptoms like – fever, backache and vomiting.6
Stomach and abdominal pain are common UTI symptoms. They are usually felt in the pelvic area or lower back. You may have pressure or soreness in this area in addition to cramps. Women have an increased risk of UTI when compared to men, and you can take some daily steps which prevent UTI. You should consult a doctor and get a urine result to find out the type of UTI you have. There are many types of urinary tract infections, and each type of UTI can cause specific symptoms. The symptoms are different based on which part of the urinary system is affected. So, don’t neglect a UTI and please consult a doctor immediately.7
Are you worried about having a UTI or have a UTI and want to consult a gynac for the same? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! You can consult with top gynaecologists instantly at just Rs. 59/- in a judgement-free zone! You can also connect with thousands of women anonymously on the chatrooms for free and take up a self-assessment for issues with urinary tract infections on the Pinky Promise App chatbot, which is verified by the gynaecologist. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Pinky Promise app now!
