From the Guidelines
Women with a urinary tract infection (UTI) typically experience pain in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone, as a result of inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) 1. The location of abdominal pain in a female with a UTI is usually in the lower central abdomen, which may feel like pressure, cramping, or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Key characteristics of the pain include:
- Pressure or cramping sensation in the lower abdomen
- Dull ache in the pelvic region
- Possible pain on either side of the lower back (flank pain) if the infection has spread to the kidneys The pain is caused by the body's inflammatory response to bacteria, usually E. coli, that have entered and multiplied in the urinary tract, irritating the bladder wall and surrounding tissues, and triggering pain receptors in the area, as discussed in the european association of urology guidelines on urological infections: summary of the 2024 guidelines 1. Symptoms accompanying the pain may include:
- Burning during urination
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Fever It is essential to seek medical treatment promptly if these symptoms occur, as UTIs require antibiotic treatment to clear the infection, and the choice of antimicrobial therapy should be guided by the spectrum and susceptibility patterns of the aetiological pathogens, as well as efficacy, tolerability, and costs 1.
From the Research
Location of Abdominal Pain in Females with UTI
- The location of abdominal pain in females with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is typically in the lower abdominal area 2.
- Symptoms of cystitis, a type of UTI, include lower abdominal pain, dysuria, and urinary urgency or frequency 3, 2.
- The pain is usually suprapubic, meaning it is located just above the pubic bone 3.
- In some cases, the pain may radiate to the back or groin area, but this is less common 2.
- It's worth noting that the location and severity of the pain can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection 4.
Characteristics of Abdominal Pain in UTI
- The abdominal pain associated with UTI is often described as a dull ache or cramping sensation 2.
- The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may worsen with urination or sexual activity 3.
- In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, or nausea 2.
- The diagnosis of UTI is typically made based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as urinalysis and urine culture 5, 3.