How do you know if you have a bladder infection, or if it's something else?

Question

It happens about every other month, it's an annoying feeling, like I always need to urinate. It's almost like a constant pressure down in the area, but when I attempt to go to the bathroom, only dribbles come out. But it feels like I always am holding in a really big urination. What is it? Is it a bladder infection? Or could it be something else?

Answer 1

The only way to know for sure is to go see a doctor. Obviously something isn't right, no matter the diagnosis. Make an appointment and get it taken care of. Sooner rather than later so that you don't get REALLY REALLY sick.

Answer 2

Okay, let's clear up some misconceptions here. First, all bladder infections are urinary tract infections. Not all urinary tract infections (UTI) are bladder infections. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. An infection in any of those areas is a UTI.

UTI's are fairly common in women because our urethra is so short (about 1 1/2") and so close to the anus. UTI's are caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract. There are different kinds of bacteria, but the most common one that causes a UTI is e. Coli, which is frequently found in our intestines. It's generally harmless there, but it causes problems when it gets into the urinary tract. We are told to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom, so we don't spread bacteria from the anus to the urethra. You should also get in the habit of urinating within a few minutes after sex. That flushes any bacteria that may have been passed through intercourse.

Drinking a lot of soda or coffee doesn't cause a UTI, although it may make one worse (or at least may make it feel worse). The sugar in the soda is food for the bacteria. Caffeine can irritate the bladder, which increases the symptoms of a UTI. Alcohol and citrus juices do the same thing, so you should avoid soda, alcohol, coffee, citrus juices, and drinks with added sugar when you have a UTI. You should INCREASE the amount of water you're drinking, because the more you pee, the more bacteria you flush out. You should try to keep up your water intake even when you don't have a UTI.

Cranberry juice can help prevent UTI's because the juice contains hippuric acid. This keeps the bacteria from sticking so it is flushed out easier. However, most cranberry juices contain very little CRANBERRY juice, and a whole lot of sugar. Cranberry juice "cocktail" has so much sugar that it actually could make your UTI worse. So far, there is no evidence that cranberry juice (or pills) will cure a UTI. Only an antibiotic will do that.

And speaking of antibiotics - GO TO THE DOCTOR. Getting tested for a UTI is a simple process. You may not even have to see the doctor - just call and tell them your symptoms and say you think you might have a UTI. They might just send you to the lab to pee in a cup. They will test it and prescribe an antibiotic. The kind of antibiotic depends in part on what kind of bacteria you have.

It's important that you get tested, and not let this continue. First, an infection of the urethra or bladder could spread to the ureters or kidneys, and kidney infections can cause serious injury. You want to avoid this at all costs. Second, you may not have a UTI and it could be any number of other things, including STD's, cysts, or any of a dozen other things.

Answer 3

sounds more like a typical urinary track infection rather than a true bladder infection. with a bladder or kidney infection you'd be in extreme pain and it wouldn't be "annoying"- it'd be impossible to ignore. a UTI can be simply cleared up with an antibiotic from your doctor. if you don't get the antibiotic then it could spread to a bladder infection. they sell over the counter homeopathic pills to help with the discomfort while the antibiotic works its magic or you could just drink lots of water to help flush your system.

Answer 4

does it burn when you go? There is bladder and urinary track infections. they are not the same but treated the same. Drink a lot of cranberry juice and see a doc for antibotics. remember to eat yougurt when on antibotics so you don't get a yeast infection

Answer 5

could also be kidney stones.
Best advice is consult your physician.
Bladder infections will tend to cause fever in some people.
Either way increase your water intake. It is good for flushing out toxins and keeping hydrated

Answer 6

sounds exactly like blatter infection to me...do you drink alot of coffee...cut back if you do. Think about what you eat and drink most often, different things could be the cause

Answer 7

could be a bladder infection, could be an std- get tested.

Answer 8

Does it hurt/feel like burning, when you urinate? Please, asap, go to your dr, find out what is going on. That is something not to mess with. Take care.

Answer 9

URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!
get yourself checked.....could be STD, prostate, cancer......check right NOW! and next time use a RUBBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!