The full form of UTI, when used in the context of a diagnosis, refers to a Urinary Tract Infection.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs.
Common symptoms of a UTI can include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored (a sign of blood in the urine)
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
If you suspect you have a UTI, it's important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Typically, a urine sample is analyzed to confirm the presence of bacteria, which is the diagnostic step that would involve noting "UTI" on a medical record.
