Does urinary tract infection cause abdominal pain?

A bladder infection can irritate the bladder lining and cause pressure, aching, or cramping in the lower abdomen. It may occur with burning when passing urine, needing to urinate often, urgency, or urine that looks or smells different. Some people notice discomfort above the pubic bone rather than in the wider stomach area.

Pain higher in the side or back, particularly with fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, can suggest that infection has reached the kidneys. Abdominal pain also has many non-urinary causes, so its location and accompanying symptoms help guide assessment.

Arrange a medical review if abdominal pain occurs with urinary burning, frequency, urgency, or new urine changes. A clinician may test a urine sample and decide whether treatment is needed. Drink fluids normally unless you have been given a fluid restriction, and use only pain relief that is suitable for you.

Take prescribed treatment as directed and seek advice if symptoms are not improving or return after treatment. Do not use someone else’s antibiotics, because the cause of abdominal pain may be different and the medicine may be unsuitable.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, pain in the flank or back with fever, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or inability to pass urine. Pregnancy, significant kidney disease, or a weakened immune system lowers the threshold for prompt medical advice.

Ask whether your pain pattern fits a urinary infection, whether a urine test is needed, how quickly treatment should help, and which changes mean the infection may involve the kidneys.