Bladder infections can affect anyone, but the symptoms may differ depending on a person’s age and sex. Without treatment, a bladder infection can develop into a kidney infection, which can have serious complications.

Bladder infections are a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Medical treatments are available to treat the infection, and people can also use home remedies to relieve the symptoms.

This article looks at how the symptoms of a bladder infection vary between females and males and how the condition affects people of different ages.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

A caregiver holding a baby who may be experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection.Share on Pinterest
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The symptoms of a bladder infection in children can be more difficult to notice, as they may appear nonspecific.

Additionally, younger children may sometimes find it more difficult to communicate their symptoms to a parent or caregiver.

Some of the symptoms of a bladder infection in children under the age of 2 years includeTrusted Source:

However, sometimes, fever may be the only symptom.

In children over the age of 2 years, symptoms typically include:

In adults, the symptoms may include:

  • more frequent urination than usual
  • burning sensation when urinating
  • intense urge to urinate
  • producing little or no urine despite feeling the need to urinate
  • pain when urinating
  • cloudy urine
  • strong-smelling urine
  • feeling generally unwell, achy, sick, and tired
  • blood in the urine

Specific to females

Bladder infections can affect people of any age and sex, but females are more likelyTrusted Source than males to develop them.

This is because females have shorter urethras. As a result, bacteria have to travel less far to reach the bladder and cause an infection.

In addition to these symptoms, females may experienceTrusted Source pain or pressure above the pubic bone.

Specific to males

There do not appear to be additional symptoms specific to males, although some may experience a full feeling in the rectum.

According to a 2023 reviewTrusted Source, if males experience recurrent bladder infections, they should see a healthcare professional to rule out the possibility of chronic bacterial prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate.

The symptoms of bacterial prostatitis include:

  • a burning sensation when passing urine
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • pain in the bladder, testicles, penis, and area between the sex organs and the anus
  • pain when ejaculating

A 2024 reviewTrusted Source notes that bladder infections are common during pregnancy due to changes in the urinary tract.

The symptoms of a bladder infection in pregnant people are the same as those in people who are not pregnant.

Some pregnant people may not experience any symptoms until the bladder infection develops into a kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, which can cause complications.

Therefore, healthcare teams frequently test people throughout pregnancy to monitor for UTIs.

The symptoms of a kidney infection include:

Older adults with a bladder infection are less likely to experience the typical symptoms, which include a frequent and urgent need to urinate and pain during urination.

However, nonspecific symptoms of bladder infections in older adults include:

People with dementia who develop a bladder infection may present with worsening confusion or other changes in their mental state.

It is important that people caring for individuals with dementia are aware that this may be a symptom of a bladder infection, as an early diagnosis means someone can receive treatment sooner. Additionally, people with dementia may find it harder to communicate the symptoms of a UTI, and they may not have any of the typical symptoms.

Therefore, people caring for individuals with dementia should contact a doctor if they notice changes in a person’s mental state.

Females who regularly develop bladder infections may not need to visit their doctor every time. Mild infections can improve without treatment, and people may learn to recognize and treat the symptoms at home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source advises that even though most people can treat bladder infections at home, some individuals may need to go to the hospital.

Without treatment, there is a risk that a bladder infection will spread to other parts of the urinary tract.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), people should seek medical advice if:

  • they are unsure whether their symptoms are due to a bladder infection or another condition
  • their symptoms do not start to improve after 3 days
  • they frequently get bladder infections
  • their symptoms are severe, such as experiencing blood in the urine
  • they are pregnant
  • they are male
  • their symptoms do not go away after antibiotic treatment
  • a child in their care is displaying symptoms of a bladder infection

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Bladder infections are extremely common and can affect anyone regardless of age or sex.

The symptoms typically include painful and frequent urination. However, children, older adults, and those with dementia may experience nonspecific symptoms.

Sometimes, bladder infections may resolve spontaneously. However, in others, they may progress into a kidney infection, which can be much more serious. Therefore, anyone who thinks that they may be experiencing a bladder infection for the first time should seek medical advice.