If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s a good idea to see a doctor. While you’re waiting for your appointment, though, you might want to confirm that your symptoms are indeed that of a UTI.
The best way to do this is with urine test strips that specifically test for UTIs. All you have to do is get some of these UTI test strips, pee in a cup, and then test your urine. It only takes seconds to get your results.
Make sure that the urine test strips you get test for leukocyte esterase and nitrite. Med Lab Diagnostic’s 11 Parameter urine test strips include these parameters.
These parameters will be your UTI indicators. If you tend to get a lot of UTIs, it may be a good idea to have these kinds of testing strips on hand.
Besides that, there are also some everyday signs that may be indicators of a UTI. You might want to watch out for:
How to Know When That Burning Feeling is a Urinary Tract Infection
1) An Extreme Urgency to Pee
Do you find yourself going extra frequently, and are you finding that when you have to go, you HAVE to go? This could be a sign of a UTI. While your body is trying to fight the infection, it might have you going to the bathroom again and again to flush things out.
Make sure to drink plenty of water. Also keep in mind that this can be a sign of other problems (like diabetes), so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you suddenly have to pee all the time.
2) A Burning Feeling When You Go
Do you have a bit of a burn when you pee? If you feel a burning sensation when you’re voiding urine, it could be that you have a urinary tract infection. Just as with any other kind of pain, you should head to medical professional right away. Infections of the urinary system should not be ignored.
3) Hazy Pee
Does your urine look hazy or cloudy? Some people just have a lot of mucus down there, but if you can see it coming straight out of where it voids and there are particulates in the urine itself (without the stream first touching any other part of your body), then something is wrong. Urine is not supposed to have anything floating around in it. This could be a sign of an infection.
4) Smelly Pee
Sometimes urine stinks, but if you find that your pee stinks more than usual, then it could be that you have a UTI. You might want to test yourself for a UTI if your urine smells way different from usual (foul), especially if it comes accompanied with any of these other symptoms.
5) Pain
If you feel pain in your abdomen or surrounding areas, you should go to the doctor right away. This could be a sign of infection, or maybe something worse, so make sure that you get that handled before it gets out of control.
Test Yourself at Home
Again, a simple home test kit of inexpensive urine strips can help determine whether you have a UTI and save you a lot of trouble. Keep a container of these in your first aid kit, along with a thermometer and other basic supplies.
Of course, visit your doctor as soon as you suspect that something is amiss. You may need antibiotics before the infection can clear up.
Elena Daisley is a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist (MT, ASCP certified) with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both Biology and Laboratory Science from the University of Central Florida. Elena enjoys helping others on their journey to healthier living.
