More than fifty per cent of women will get at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime, and many will experience recurrent UTIs, according to Medical News Today. Often caused by E. coli, a bacteria usually found in the digestive system, the infection can be easily treated, but if not properly taken care of, it can lead to serious complications.

Untreated UTI's can have negative effects on the urethra, kidney, and bladder, including causing permanent damage, which could be fatal when the bacteria enters the bloodstream.

To avoid such problems, especially when you're sexually active or menopausal, it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms associated with UTIs, so you know exactly what to look for.

1. Frequent urge to urinate

When you spend a good chunk of your day taking trips to the bathroom because you have persistent urges to pee, then there's a chance that you have a UTI. The feeling that you need to urinate frequently is brought on by the bacteria that's irritating the urethra and the bladder's lining.

2. Burning sensation when urinating

Now that you've made it to the bathroom, peeing becomes a nightmare because there's a burning sensation when the urine trickles down. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have a full-blown infection, but if the stinging continues and you start to experience other symptoms, then it's time to seek treatment.

3. Strong-smelling urine

While eating certain foods, like asparagus, can cause your urine to smell, it shouldn't last longer than a couple of hours. If there's a consistently strong and pungent smell every time you take a pee break, then it may be time to call the doctor.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Those experiencing an upper urinary tract infection, which generally affects the kidneys, can suffer from bouts of nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever. In advanced cases, confusion can also occur.

5. Abdominal pain and muscle aches

Cramps, pain and pressure in the abdomen and around your pelvis can also occur when you have a UTI. Aches in the muscle and lower back as well as fatigue are also symptoms of an infected urinary track, according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. So make sure you're not just ignoring these often overlooked aches.

6. Cloudy or pink-ish urine

There's a lot that can be learned about the color of your pee, including whether or not you have an infection. Cloudy, pink-ish or red urine could be an indication of a UTI, especially when it occurs in conjunction with frequent and painful urination.

Have you ever experienced a UTI? What symptoms did you experience?