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Around 10% of American women experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) every year, making it one of the most common reasons for visiting the doctor.
When you think of a UTI, you probably picture the usual signs: burning when you pee, a strong urge to go to the bathroom, or lower belly pain. These symptoms are common and uncomfortable. But did you know that UTIs also have silent symptoms?
At the Chicago Center for Women’s Health (CCHW), we know UTIs can sneak in with quiet or unusual symptoms. Ignoring these silent signs can lead to bigger problems, especially if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Here, we explain what symptoms to look for and when to talk to your doctor.
UTI basics
A UTI develops when bacteria enter your urinary system, including your kidneys, ureters (tubes carrying urine from the kidneys), bladder, and urethra (tube through which you urinate).
When bacteria grow where they shouldn’t, it can cause inflammation and infection, usually in the bladder or urethra. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men because the female urethra is shorter, so bacteria have less distance to cover to reach the bladder.
Typical UTI signs include:
- A burning feeling when you pee
- Needing to pee more often than usual
- Feeling like you still have to go even after peeing
- Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
- Pressure or cramping in the lower belly or back
- Urge incontinence (suddenly needing to urinate and trouble holding on)
Blood in the urine can also be a sign of infection.
Silent or surprising UTI symptoms
Sometimes, a UTI causes symptoms that don’t seem related to your bladder. Here are a few you might not expect:
1. Fatigue or feeling “off”
Feeling tired, foggy, or just not like yourself could be more than stress or lack of sleep. Your body might be quietly fighting an infection, even if you don’t have pain or burning.
2. Confusion and dizziness
In older women, a UTI can cause sudden confusion, dizziness, or trouble focusing. This is especially common in seniors and may be the only sign that something’s wrong.
3. Fever or chills
A low-grade fever may be your body’s way of signaling an infection. If the fever gets high or you have chills, the infection may have reached your kidneys, meaning you need urgent care.
4. Back pain
Pain in your lower back, especially on one side, could mean the infection has moved to the kidneys. This is more serious and may require antibiotics or even a hospital stay.
5. Nausea or vomiting
Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up isn’t a classic UTI symptom, but it can happen when an infection spreads beyond the bladder.
Some women are more likely to have silent UTIs. Risk factors include:
- Being over age 65
- Having diabetes
- Using a catheter
- Being pregnant
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having a history of frequent UTIs
Even if you don’t have these risk factors, listening to your body is still important. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
When to see a doctor for silent UTI symptoms
Call us if you notice any unusual symptoms — especially if they come on quickly or don’t go away. At CCHW, our board-certified urogynecologist, Denise Furlong, MD, and our team offer simple urine tests to detect a UTI in minutes. The sooner we catch it, the faster you can start feeling better.
Left untreated, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection or spread into your bloodstream. That’s why you should take even mild symptoms seriously.
What you can do to prevent UTIs
Here are a few tips to lower your risk of UTIs:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wipe front to back after using the bathroom
- Pee after sex to flush out bacteria
- Avoid douching or using harsh soaps in the genital area
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
Some women also find cranberry supplements helpful, though the research is mixed. Talk to our team to see what might work best for you.
At CCHW, we believe in caring for the whole woman, body, mind, and lifestyle. Don’t wait for the classic symptoms if you’re feeling off or have concerns about your urinary health — silent UTIs are more common than you might think and can affect your quality of life.
We’re here to listen, test, and treat silent UTI symptoms with compassion and expertise. If you live or work in Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Blue Island, Burbank, Palos Hills, or Palos Heights, Illinois, call us or use the online form to get in touch.