text: Not everyone with a UTI develops recognizable signs and symptoms, but most people have some. These can include:\n\nA strong, persistent urge to urinate \nA burning sensation when urinating \nPassing frequent, small amounts of urine \nBlood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy, strong-smelling urine \n\nEach type of UTI may result in more specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected:\n\nAcute pyelonephritis. Infection of your kidneys may occur after spreading from an infection in your bladder. Kidney infection can cause flank pain, high fever, shaking chills, and nausea or vomiting. \nCystitis. Inflammation or infection of your bladder may result in pressure in the pelvis and lower abdomen and strong-smelling urine. \nUrethritis. Inflammation or infection of the urethra leads to burning with urination and sometimes pus in your urine. In men, urethritis may cause penile discharge. \n\n\nYou can take steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections. Women in particular may benefit from the following:\n\nDrink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties. However, don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin. Possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin can lead to bleeding. \nUrinate frequently. Avoid retaining your urine for a long time after you feel the urge to void. \nWipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. \nEmpty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria. \nAvoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area, can irritate the urethra\n\n\nUTIs can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics clear the infection. Follow these tips:\n\nUse a heating pad. Sometimes a heating pad placed over the abdomen can help minimize feelings of bladder pressure or pain. \nDrink plenty of fluids. However, avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has cleared, because these things can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate. \nIf you have recurrent bladder infections, let your doctor know. Together you can determine a strategy to reduce recurrences and the discomfort UTIs can bring.