How can I tell if I have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Question

About 3 weeks ago I noticed when I got up to pee in the morning the urine wasn’t coming out with as much force (pressure) as normal. This literally seemed to be something that occurred overnight.

I live in a cold climate and don’t drink that much liquids but for the last 2 weeks I’ve been on holiday in a very hot climate and drinking a lot of bottled water and really noticed when peeing that the urine is coming out much weaker then before and I can only control the flow of urine to turn it on and off as it were but no longer seem to have control of the pressure at which is comes out. I try to contract the muscle which would normally sending the urine out at a much faster rate and nothing happens, the urine just comes out at one pressure now.

I’ve also now noticed when I ejaculate the semen just dribbles out, before it would come out with a lot of force which I expect is normal . What could be wrong with me? Could this be some kind of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)?

Answer 1

If this has been going on three weeks you need to see a dr. Its possible that its a uti, but not likely.

Answer 2

It does not sound like a urinary tract infection. Those symptoms would include fever,burning sensation when urinating and dark color of urine,i.e. blood in urine. I advise you to see a g-u specialist(genital-urologist doctor) or go to the emergency room to have them give you a blood test and X-rays and perhaps other tests. Drink more fluids,take less salt and see a doctor.You could be developing prostate problems. The earlier you check it out the better the chances of treating and relief.Do you have diabetes or high blood pressure?

Answer 3

I tend to agree with my fellow nurse. What you've described doesn't fit the profile for a UTI. It's more in keeping with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or in layman's terms, an enlarged prostate. My guess is that you're about 45 years old. If left untreated, it can lead to all sorts of urinary troubles including stones (urinary calculus). That said, to ask what is wrong with you is also asking for a diagnosis and you just can't get that online. This must come from an MD, NP or PA and only after a physical exam. My colleague's suggestion that you see your doctor is a wise one you'd do well to follow.

Answer 4

Signs and tests:-
Tests generally include taking a urine sample:
* A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells (WBC) or red blood cells (see also RBC - urine).
* A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is nonmalignant adenomatous overgrowth of the periurethral prostate gland. Symptoms are those of bladder outlet obstruction—urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, terminal dribbling, overflow incontinence, or complete urinary retention. Diagnosis is based on digital rectal examination, cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasonography, or IVU. Treatment options include 5α-reductase inhibitors, α-blockers, and surgery.
Please see the web pages for more details on UTI and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Answer 5

This doesn't sound like a UTI to me, because the classic symptoms are feeling some pain upon urination and also having to go very often, with little production each time. Also given the duration this has been happening, the infection would have either resolved itself, or gone to your kidneys and forced you to visit an emergency room. I think you should have your prostate checked.