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What a UTI is

That burning, itching, tingling, won’t go away sensation after you pee? That could be a…

That burning, itching, tingling, won’t go away sensation after you pee? That could be a sign of a urinary tract infection or what is usually referred to as a UTI.

 

So, what is it?

 

A UTI is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection of part of the structures involving the lower urinary tract. This includes your urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. The most likely bacteria to cause one of these infections is E. coli (80%).

 

What does it look like?

 

It can look like a few things, if you experience a strong, persistent urge to urinate, it burns when you urinate, you are frequently passing small amounts of urine, your urine has become cloudy or has blood/ a red tinge to it or has a more noticeable odor (and I don’t mean from asparagus) you could have a UTI.

 

Do I need to do anything about it?

 

Yes, you should. First you need to confirm what you are experiencing is actually a UTI. This can be done with a simple urine test right in your doctor’s office. Then you need to treat it. As a UTI is a bacterial infection it can spread. If left untreated it can cause a bladder or kidney infection which are more serious.