A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in part of the urinary system. It often affects the bladder or urethra, but it can sometimes involve the kidneys.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include burning during urination, frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, cloudy urine, pelvic discomfort, or urine with a strong smell.
When it can be serious
Fever, back or side pain, vomiting, pregnancy, confusion in an older adult, or symptoms in someone with kidney disease can suggest a more serious infection.
UTIs are common, but the right evaluation matters because symptoms can overlap with kidney stones, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.