A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that affects the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. While many UTIs are mild and easily treated, there are situations where you should be more concerned and seek medical attention promptly.

Common Symptoms of a UTI:

• A strong, frequent urge to urinate

• Burning sensation when urinating

• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine

• Lower abdominal discomfort or pressure

These are typical signs of a bladder infection, which is the most common type of UTI. However, you should be worried if any of the following occur:

1. Fever, Chills, or Flank Pain
   These can be signs the infection has reached your kidneys, which is more serious and requires immediate treatment.
2. Nausea or Vomiting
   This may indicate a more advanced infection and could lead to complications if untreated.
3. Symptoms Don’t Improve After 2–3 Days
   If you're on antibiotics but still feel unwell after a couple of days, the infection may be resistant or more severe than expected.
4. Blood in Urine
   Visible blood (or urine that appears pink or red) should always be evaluated by a doctor.
5. Frequent UTIs
   If you're getting UTIs often (more than 2–3 per year), it may signal an underlying issue that needs further investigation.
6. UTI During Pregnancy
   UTIs during pregnancy can lead to complications and should always be treated and monitored by a healthcare provider.
7. You Have a Weakened Immune System
   People with conditions like diabetes or those on immunosuppressive medications are at higher risk for complications.

When in Doubt, See a Doctor
While many UTIs are easily managed, it's important not to ignore worsening symptoms or assume they’ll go away on their own. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems like kidney infections or sepsis.

In short: if your UTI symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or pain, don’t wait—get medical attention.

At Mascot Healthcare Clinic in Lagos, we provide comprehensive care for urinary tract infections (UTIs), from accurate diagnosis to effective treatment. Our evaluation includes proper urine testing and, when indicated, abdominal ultrasound scans to assess the kidneys and bladder—especially in recurrent, severe, or complicated UTIs. This helps us identify underlying problems such as stones, obstruction, or incomplete bladder emptying. If you’re experiencing symptoms like burning urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, or recurrent UTIs, don’t delay care. Click the link to book a consultation or abdominal scan today and get the right treatment early.