What Your Lower Abdomen Pain Might Mean

by Jessica Merkel

Pain in the lower abdomen is one of the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection, otherwise known as a UTI. Urinary Tract Infections are common infections among both men and women. As many as 1 in 2 women get a UTI in their lifetime, while about 1 in 10 men get a UTI in their lifetime.

What are the most common symptoms of a UTI?

1. Bloody, dark, cloudy or smelly urine
2. Feeling a frequent and intense urge to urinate, but difficulty with urinating
3. Lower abdomen pain or pressure
4. Feeling tired and/or shaky
5. Fever or chills

These symptoms include symptoms for all three types of UTIs, not just a UTI of the bladder, which is the most common type. There is also UTI of the kidney and UTI of the urethra, each having slightly different symptoms.

What should you do to prevent getting a UTI?

1. Urinate often and as soon as you can, rather than holding it
2. Drink lots of water
3. Urinate after intercourse
4. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
5. Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes

There are also studies suggesting certain dietary choices may improve UTI avoidance.

What should you do if you think you have a UTI?

1. Assess your symptoms
2. Call a doctor or urologist near you as soon as possible
3. Continue drinking lots of water to flush out any bacteria

The most important tip of all – do not ignore your symptoms – seek a diagnosis

If you live in the Emporia area, believe you have a UTI and are in need of treatment, call your Primary Care provider or Newman Express Care – both provide diagnosis and treatment for Urinary Tract Infections. If needed, they can refer you to our Urology specialists.

To learn more more on Urinary Tract Infections, watch the video below.