This blog was medically reviewed by Kate O’Flynn O’Brien, MD, pediatric gynecologist at our Minneapolis, St. Paul and Lakeville gynecology clinics.
Did you know? People of all ages can get urinary tract infections or UTIs, even babies! A UTI can cause significant discomfort and pain but understanding what exactly UTIs are, their symptoms, and how to prevent them is crucial for maintaining good urinary health.
What are UTIs and symptoms to look out for
A UTI happens when bacteria enter the bladder and causes an infection. It is important that a UTI gets treated because the infection can lead to feelings of pain and discomfort and even further issues like kidney infections. See below for the full list of symptoms to look out for.
- Pain, stinging, or burning sensation when passing urine. This is the most common symptom and should not be ignored.
- Frequent urge to urinate or pee. This is the feeling of needing to urinate more often but only passing a small amount of urine each time. This can happen during the day and also at night.
- Pain in the bladder area. This area is located below the belly button and may feel tender or painful.
- Cloudy urine or presence of blood. The urine may appear cloudy or have traces of blood. Sometimes, it may also have a different or foul smell.
- Symptoms of a UTI can also occur if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For teens that are sexually active and experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get tested for STIs. Testing for a UTI or STI can be performed by a primary doctor or a gynecologist.
Symptoms of a UTI in babies
It can be hard to tell if a baby is in pain when they’re only able to cry to communicate feelings of pain or discomfort. Below are some signs and symptoms that can help with spotting a possible UTI in babies.
- Fever
- Crying while urinating
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Vomiting
- Irritability or colic
- Refusing to eat
- Abdominal pain
Prevention tips for UTIs
No one wants to get a UTI – they are painful and can lead to complications if left untreated. These commonsense steps might help reduce your risk of getting a UTI.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. This practice can prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of developing a UTI. It is something to keep in mind when changing your baby’s diaper and teaching a young child during the potty-training stage.
- Don’t hold in your urine. Make sure to go to the bathroom when needed. Holding in urine can give bacteria a place to grow and cause an infection. For parents of younger children, make sure your child is going to the bathroom and emptying their bladder every couple of hours.
- Urinate after sexual activity. For teens that are sexually active, using the bathroom after sex can help to flush out bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Change diapers often. Bacteria like to grow in moist areas and changing your baby’s diaper often and keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent the diaper from harboring bacteria and causing infections.
It’s important to remember that UTIs are common, and if you suspect your child has one, seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading.
