Concerns About Urinary Distress: Seeking Answers
I am a 32-year-old female, weighing 170 lbs. I'm experiencing discomfort in the area where my kidneys are located, along with a mild ache that extends down my sides. Additionally, my bladder feels unusual and somewhat inflamed, contributing to a sense of nausea and general malaise. While I don’t have a fever, it’s noteworthy that I seldom experience them regardless. I feel rather fatigued too. Could this be indicative of a urinary tract infection? Interestingly, there’s no pain when urinating, and I haven’t noticed any blood in my urine either. Nonetheless, I'm acutely aware that something isn’t right with my kidneys or bladder. I've scheduled an urgent care appointment for tomorrow morning, but I’m eager to understand what might be causing these symptoms in the meantime. Is it possible this could be a kidney infection? I'm looking for any guidance or insights.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 5:10:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms, especially given your discomfort and nausea. You're right to seek medical help, as you have an appointment scheduled. Based on your description, the symptoms could be related to a urinary tract infection (UTI), a kidney infection, or other conditions affecting the urinary system. Let’s break down what you might be experiencing.
Explanation:
-
Kidney vs. Bladder Issue: Pain in the kidney area, combined with bladder discomfort, can suggest either a UTI or a potential kidney involvement. Typically, a UTI can cause discomfort in the bladder and urinary symptoms even if you're not experiencing pain while urinating. However, persistent or escalating kidney pain could suggest a more serious condition, such as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
-
Nausea and Fatigue: Nausea and general malaise can sometimes accompany infections or inflammation in the urinary tract, as your body may be reacting to the infection. Fatigue can also result from your body fighting off any kind of infection.
Next Steps:
Here are prioritized actions you can take while you wait for your urgent care appointment:
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out your urinary system. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can irritate the bladder.
-
Rest: Give yourself time to relax and recover. Fatigue can exacerbate feelings of discomfort and malaise.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as new pain, changes in urination frequency, or the development of chills or fever. Although you noted not having a fever, monitor your temperature as well.
-
Apply Heat: A heating pad can provide comfort to your lower back and side areas if you're experiencing persistent discomfort.
-
Avoid Self-Medicating: Unless you have been prescribed medication or have clear guidance, avoid taking over-the-counter antibiotics, as they may mask symptoms or complicate diagnosis.
When you see the healthcare provider, they will likely conduct tests, including a urine test and perhaps imaging, to clarify what’s causing your symptoms. You’re doing the right thing by getting checked out. Let me know how things go, and take care!
Related Questions
Concerns About Urine Test Results: UTI or Possible Contamination?
Female; Age 29; Height: 5’4 Hello all! I have a tendency to experience health anxiety, and recently I became worried about a potential UTI because of some pelvic discomfort and an increase in urination. My menstrual cycle began last Saturday, which might have contributed to the cramps I felt in my pubic area. Fortunately, the discomfort only lasted for a day. I visited urgent care on Sunday where they conducted a dip test that indicated the presence of white blood cells and blood in my urine. I was prescribed Bactrim, but I decided to hold off on taking it until I received my urine culture results. I received the culture findings yesterday, and it showed no growth, which is a relief. I provided another urine sample on Monday for both my primary care physician and my obstetrician, and the results from that are different. More details can be found in the comments below. Earlier, in August, I underwent blood tests that indicated my kidney function was normal. In the past, I have had minimal traces of protein and leukocytes in my tests, but never at a level of +1. However, looking up my symptoms online has been quite alarming. Currently, I am not experiencing any typical UTI symptoms, yet my mind is racing with fears of kidney failure or sepsis. My primary care doctor mentioned that contamination is a likely explanation and advised waiting for further results, which is consistent with what my obstetrician's office conveyed as well. Yet, I can’t shake the worry that I might have a UTI or a kidney infection that has been overlooked, leading to worse outcomes. Thank you for listening!
Is There a Connection Between Kyleena IUD and Frequent UTIs?
I’m a 24-year-old female who does not take any regular medications, except for the Kyleena IUD, and I don’t have any known medical conditions. I’ve had the IUD for nearly five years. After having the Kyleena inserted about five years ago, I started experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). I endured a series of infections where antibiotics offered only temporary relief, leaving me in ongoing discomfort. Prior to this, I had never faced issues with UTIs. Once I decided to have the IUD removed, the infections stopped altogether. However, I recently opted for another Kyleena IUD for contraception, and shortly afterward, the UTIs returned. I have brought this up with healthcare professionals in the past, but they insisted that the IUD was not the cause. Because I observe a distinct before-and-after relationship, I believe there is a correlation. I have been in a stable relationship throughout this period — during my first IUD use, the months without it, and now with the recent one. My sexual habits and partner have remained constant, making the IUD the only apparent factor associated with the onset of UTIs. I would appreciate any insights regarding the following inquiries: 1. Could the Kyleena IUD be a factor in my recurrent UTIs, despite a lack of widespread acknowledgment of this issue? 2. If there is a potential link, what alternatives do I have? Are there methods to manage or prevent UTIs while retaining the IUD, or is removal truly the only viable option? 3. Would it be appropriate to request a referral to a specialist, either a urologist or a gynecologist, who has expertise in recurrent UTIs?
Stomach and Kidney Discomfort
Age: 36 Height, weight, and gender are not applicable. Current medications: None Smoking habits: Occasional user Prior and existing health conditions: None Details of symptoms: outlined below. For the past few days, I have experienced a persistent dull ache in my kidney area and stomach, which I initially mistaken for back discomfort. I woke up feeling relatively well, but as the day progresses, the discomfort returns. It's more of a weary sensation that makes me want to rest rather than sharp pain. After conducting some research online, I suspect it might be a mild kidney infection. I have a routine medical check-up scheduled for Thursday. If my condition doesn’t worsen, would it be acceptable to wait until that appointment? Or should I consider visiting urgent care sooner?
Understanding My Kidney Test Results
I've recently received my kidney lab test results, and I'm feeling a bit puzzled. My Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) has dropped to 79, down from over 90 just a few weeks back. Additionally, my creatinine level is now at 1.02, compared to 0.78 previously. My Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels have decreased to 8, whereas they were 11 before, leading to a BUN-creatinine ratio of 7.8, which was also 11 earlier. At 24 years old, I'm concerned about these changes, especially since I've been trying to reach out to my doctor for clarification, but I haven't received much feedback. I'm curious about why my results are varying so significantly in such a short timeframe. This test was conducted after a 12-hour fast, and I barely consumed any water beforehand—perhaps around 8 ounces or less. Could this limited hydration have influenced the results?
Bladder Mass in 20-Year-Old Female with Urinary Issues
I am sharing an experience concerning my 20-year-old sister, who has autism and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). She weighs 120 pounds and is a non-smoker. Recently, she visited the emergency room due to excruciating back pain and an inability to urinate. Tests revealed the presence of E. coli in her urine. Subsequently, a CT scan of her bladder was performed, which identified a mass that is obstructing her urinary flow. What might this condition indicate? Urology specialists plan to conduct a biopsy this week.