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Pain or burning when you pee (urinate) can signal a urinary tract infection (UTI), but sometimes those symptoms point to a more serious cause: bladder cancer. Whenever you experience bladder symptoms that last more than a few days—like unusual sensations with urination, discolored urine, or trouble urinating—you should see a medical professional for a diagnosis. Chances are your bladder symptoms aren’t serious, but getting a diagnosis and proper treatment can alleviate the discomfort of common ailments like a bladder infection. Learn which bladder symptoms you should never ignore.
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1Blood in your urine
If you see bright red blood or blood clots in your urine—or if your urine looks “rusty”—call your healthcare provider immediately. Your urine should never contain visible blood or take on a reddish color. This could be a sign of a serious urinary tract infection, but then again it could be a symptom of bladder cancer. In this case, it’s best to let a healthcare professional determine why there’s blood in your urine so it can be treated appropriately.
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2Pain while urinating
It shouldn’t hurt to urinate. If you experience burning with urination or a dull pain in your lower abdomen (just above your pubic bone), then you could have a UTI (urinary tract infection). In fact, pain while urinating is a very common bladder infection symptom, though it can point to more serious conditions, too. See a healthcare professional to have a urine sample analyzed. If your urinary pain is caused by an infection, your provider can give you an antibiotic to cure it.
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3Trouble urinating
When you have to empty your bladder, it should be easy to start and stop the urine stream. If you feel an urgency to go but find you can’t get the urine to flow, see your healthcare provider. Difficulty urinating can be a sign of several different conditions in men and women, such as an enlarged prostate gland or prolapsed bladder. You should see a healthcare professional to obtain a diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.
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4Frequent urination
Feeling like you have to urinate all the time is not normal. If you find yourself mapping out public toilets before you leave the house because you have to urinate frequently, then see your healthcare provider to find out what is causing this. Frequent urination can be a sign of many types of bladder problems, including overactive bladder and bladder cancer. Getting a diagnosis can start you down the path to receiving treatment.
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5One-sided lower back pain
If you notice you have persistent mid-to-low back pain only on one side, see your healthcare provider. This type of pain can indicate a problem with one of your kidneys, such as a kidney stone. It can also be a sign of bladder cancer. That said, many things can cause one-sided lower back pain, including sciatica (an inflammation of the nerve that runs from your spine to your foot on each side). Don’t try to self-diagnose. See a doctor instead.
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6Foul-smelling urine
Urine generally should not have much of an odor. If you notice your urine takes on a strong, foul or sweet smell, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Unusual-smelling urine can point to several health conditions, including diabetes and a UTI, though an unusual urine odor also can be caused by something you ate or a vitamin you took. If the smell persists for more than a few days, or if it’s accompanied by pain or fever, see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
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7Dark or cloudy urine
Your urine will change color slightly on a regular basis, depending on how hydrated you are and what types of foods you’ve been eating. Dehydration can make your urine look very dark, for example, and eating beets can give your urine a pinkish tinge that goes away within a day or two. But if your urine turns cloudy or if the color of your urine doesn’t return to normal within a few days, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Simple urine tests can determine if you need further evaluation or treatment for a serious bladder problem.
