Dear yagirlsm,

We can't diagnose you online, but it sounds like you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI is caused by bacteria that have spread from the rectum to the urethra — the tube from which women and men urinate. And sometimes the bacteria spreads from the opening of the urethra through the tube to the bladder.

Symptoms include

• painful or burning urination
• lower abdominal pain or back pain
• a constant urge to urinate (even when there's no urine in your bladder)
• blood and pus in urine
• fever
• leaking urine

Many sexually transmitted infections can have the same symptoms as a UTI, so don't diagnose yourself. See your health care provider, or call 1-800-230-PLAN, to schedule an appointment at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center. Or find us online.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.