What are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in women?

The common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in women include dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency (the need to urinate more often than usual), and urgency (a strong, immediate need to urinate). These symptoms arise as the infection irritates the bladder and the urethra, leading to discomfort and an increased urge to urinate.

Dysuria specifically refers to the painful sensation experienced during urination, which is often the first noticeable symptom. Urinary frequency and urgency are closely related; individuals may feel like they need to urinate often but only pass small amounts of urine each time due to inflammation and infection within the urinary tract.

While vaginal discharge, odor, pelvic pain, fever, and menstrual irregularities might be associated with other gynecological or urinary conditions, they are not classic presentations of a UTI. Understanding the hallmark symptoms of UTIs is crucial for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.