The most common symptoms are burning with urination and sufferers of bladder infection are also plagued by a strong, frequent urge to "go". The urine is strong-smelling and appears cloudy, or bright pink or cola coloured - a sign of blood in the urine. These symptoms may vary from mild to severe, and in healthy women last an average of six days.

Some pain above the pubic bone or in the lower back may be present. People experiencing an upper urinary tract infection, may experience flank pain, fever, or nausea and vomiting in addition to the classic symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection. Rarely the urine may appear bloody or contain visible pyuria (pus in the urine).