I need help identifying symptoms for UTI.

The symptoms for UTIs are very different depending on age, though they are still brought on the same way – infectious contamination from feces to the vagina entrance, then just inside it to the urethra and bladder. Because of the way our plumbing has all the outlets close together, women suffer more often than men.

In young women, UTIs usually come from after very energetic sex, which puts pressure on the outlets. The symptoms can be acute pain in the lower abdomen, needing to pee and pain on peeing, and all the others listed by Cdnreader.

In older women, and some men, the contamination comes from feces-stained knickers, diapers or poor wiping. Obviously this is more likely with incontinence, but it can come with diarhoea. The symptoms are very different, and include bizarre behaviour and quite acute illness. A check for UTI is always a good first step for sudden changes in behaviour or health. If you are accustomed to the sex-induced UTIs, the totally different symptoms in older women can be a complete surprise, and are often overlooked.

The doctor does a quick first test with a urine sample (cloudy) and litmus paper equivalent (turns red). Antibiotic for the most common type is prescribed, and usually works quite quickly. Doctor sends the sample away for testing, in case it’s not the most common type. Then you get recalled and given the correct antibiotic. Good luck! The first time I got this, age 24, I thought I was going to die screaming!

However Alva is right - this doesn't actually sound like a UTI, so check with the doctor ASAP.

You need to get to the doc or ER. At the age of 57, I would not think it is a UTI. You would be more likely to experience symptoms of pain and burning on urination.

Dear haagenson,

Please see a doctor or call an ambulance since you couldn't walk and had no balance. It could be a lot more than a UTI. Here is a list of signs because you asked for it though:

Check if it's a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Symptoms of a UTI may include:
pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
pee that looks cloudy
needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
needing to pee more often than usual
blood in your pee
lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
a very low temperature below 36C

You need to see your doctor now. This is not something those of us on Forum can diagnose for you. I am so sorry. If you are not well enough to get to your doctor please call 911 and get to the hospital.