What is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

The most common symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is dysuria, which is characterized by pain or discomfort during urination. This symptom arises due to inflammation of the bladder and urethra caused by the infection, leading to a burning sensation when passing urine. Patients frequently report this symptom as it can be quite distressing and is often one of the first signs prompting individuals to seek medical attention.

Frequent urination, while also a common symptom of UTIs, often occurs in conjunction with dysuria. Individuals may feel an increased urge to urinate but may only produce small amounts of urine, further highlighting the presence of discomfort. Swelling in the abdomen is less directly related to UTIs and is not specifically characteristic of the condition, while back pain can be associated with more severe UTIs, particularly those that ascend to affect the kidneys, making it less common as an initial presenting symptom. Dysuria stands out due to how directly it reflects the condition of the urinary tract itself during the infection phase.