Getting the right diagnosis when you are ill is important so that you can get the right medical treatment. Urinary tract infections are very common and are not hard for your doctor to diagnosis. Usually, a simple urine test will show a UTI and rule out any other type of medical problem. The problem, however, comes when people try to diagnosis their own medical condition. If you feel you may have a UTI, then the best thing to do is to see your doctor. Here is how to tell whether you have a UTI or something else.

UTI vs. Menstrual pain: Sometimes women with UTIs will mistakenly think they are only having menstrual pain. This is because a urinary tract infection will often present itself as lower back pain and abdominal pain. However, if you are having trouble urinating or have burning sensations when you urinate, then chances are you are suffering from a UTI and not menstrual cycle pain and discomfort.

UTI vs. Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are very painful and sometimes require surgery. If you have a kidney stone, you may feel symptoms very much like a urinary tract infection. A kidney stone will restrict urine flow and when you have a UTI, you may urinate only a small amount. In addition, a kidney stone will also cause pain in the lower back and abdomen. Sharp, stabbing and cramping pain often characterizes a kidney stone, while burning pain most aptly describes a UTI. The only way to know for certain is to visit with your doctor. In either case, fever or vomiting should be a sign that medical attention is required.

If you are ill and are unsure what is wrong, then your best bet is to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you exactly what is wrong with you and find an appropriate treatment option.