Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are common conditions that can often go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Many people mistake the symptoms of a UTI for other conditions, or may not experience any symptoms at all. So it is possible to have a bladder infection without realizing it.
What are the symptoms of a bladder infection?
Some of the most common symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- A frequent and intense urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Low-grade fever and chills
However, many bladder infections do not cause symptoms, or the symptoms may be very mild and overlooked. Some people may only notice:
- A slightly increased need to urinate
- Slight burning during urination
- Darker urine
Older adults in particular often have no symptoms or very subtle symptoms of a UTI. And some people learn to tolerate the discomfort of a UTI, so they may not seek treatment even when symptoms are present.
What causes a bladder infection?
Bladder infections are usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract, entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder. The urethra is relatively short in women compared to men, so it’s easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Some things that can increase the risk of a UTI include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Using a diaphragm for birth control
- Menopause
- Blockages in the urinary tract
- Catheter use
- A weakened immune system
- Kidney stones
- Holding urine for too long
Why do some bladder infections have no symptoms?
There are a few reasons why a bladder infection may not cause symptoms:
- Mild infection – If only a small number of bacteria enter the bladder, it may cause a mild infection that goes unnoticed.
- Tolerating discomfort – Some people learn to tolerate mild UTI discomfort over time, so they don’t seek help even when symptoms occur.
- Nerve damage – People with diabetes or other conditions that cause nerve damage may not feel UTI pain.
- Older age – Bladder infections don’t always cause typical symptoms in older adults.
- Previous antibiotics – Symptoms may resolve even though infection persists after a partial course of antibiotics.
How do you know if you have a bladder infection?
If you suspect you may have a bladder infection, even without major symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. A simple urine test and physical exam can diagnose a UTI.
Your doctor may ask about any mild symptoms you’ve noticed, such as:
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Burning or pain during urination
- Pelvic discomfort
- Cloudy, bloody, or smelly urine
- Incontinence or leaking urine
They will likely test a sample of your urine to check for signs of infection, such as:
- Nitrites
- Leukocyte esterase
- Pyuria (white blood cells in urine)
- Bacteria
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
This urinalysis can identify a UTI even if you have no obvious symptoms. Your doctor may also order a urine culture to confirm the infection and identify the bacteria causing it.
Can a bladder infection go away on its own?
In some cases, a very mild bladder infection may resolve on its own without treatment. More severe UTIs always require medication, but it’s not recommended to wait and see if a suspected infection will clear up.
There are risks associated with leaving a bladder infection untreated:
- The infection can spread to the kidneys, causing more severe illness.
- Bacteria can multiply and worsen the infection.
- Frequent UTIs can cause recurrent infections.
- The infection may not clear up and symptoms can persist.
- Rarely, a kidney infection can develop and become life-threatening.
So it’s important to touch base with your doctor if you notice potential UTI symptoms. Treating the infection early can clear it up more quickly and prevent complications.
How are silent bladder infections treated?
Asymptomatic bladder infections are treated just like symptomatic ones. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection. Some common antibiotics used include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Amoxicillin
The exact medication and dosage prescribed depends on the bacteria causing your infection, any antibiotic resistance issues, and other medical conditions you may have. It’s important to take the full course as directed, even if symptoms resolve right away.
Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating frequently can help flush out bacteria. Your doctor may also suggest over-the-counter UTI pain relievers if needed.
How long do antibiotic treatments last?
The typical antibiotic treatment length for an uncomplicated bladder infection is 3-7 days. However, your doctor may extend your course to 7-10 days if:
- You’ve had recurrent UTIs
- Your symptoms don’t improve with the initial treatment
- The infection has spread to your kidneys
- You have other health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system
It is important to finish out the prescribed course as directed rather than stopping when you feel better. Stopping antibiotics early can allow some bacteria to survive and lead to a recurrent infection.
Typical antibiotic treatment durations
| Condition | Treatment Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple bladder infection | 3-7 days |
| Recurrent bladder infections | 7-10 days |
| Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) | 10-14 days |
When should you see a doctor?
It’s important to contact your doctor any time you suspect a potential UTI, even if symptoms are very mild. Lingering or recurrent infections can lead to complications. Seek medical care if you notice:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Burning, stinging, or pain when peeing
- Pressure or pain in your abdomen or lower back
- Cloudy, odd-smelling, or bloody urine
- Fever, chills, fatigue, or muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea along with UTI symptoms
A quick clinic visit for a urinalysis can diagnose a silent bladder infection. Prompt antibiotic treatment can then clear up the UTI before bacteria multiply and climb up to the kidneys.
How can you prevent silent bladder infections?
Using the following strategies may help reduce your risk of developing a stealthy UTI:
- Pee after sex – This flushes bacteria from your urethra after intercourse.
- Wipe front to back – This avoids spreading bacteria from your anus to your urethra.
- Urinate when needed – Don’t hold it too long to avoid bacterial overgrowth.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Avoid irritants – Caffeine, alcohol, and feminine products can irritate your bladder.
- Treat constipation – Hard stools can put pressure on your bladder and urinary tract.
- Take probiotics – These support healthy bacteria levels including in your urinary system.
Getting in the habit of these healthy bladder habits can help prevent painful, sneaky UTIs. But always see your doctor if you notice potential UTI symptoms, even if they are very mild or vague.
Conclusion
Bladder infections don’t always cause obvious symptoms, but can still lead to complications if left untreated. Burning with urination and pelvic pain are common UTI signs, but mild or asymptomatic infections are also possible. Seeking prompt medical attention for potential UTIs allows for accurate diagnosis through urinalysis and initiation of antibiotic treatment to clear the bacterial infection before it spreads. With the doctor’s guidance, even silent UTIs can be successfully treated and managed.