Urinary Health Zones: A Simple Guide to Symptoms

Introduction

The urinary system plays a vital role in filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance in your body. Understanding the signs and symptoms associated with your urinary health is key to preventing complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or more serious kidney issues. This guide uses a simple, easy-to-read traffic light system—Green, Yellow, and Red Zones—to help you quickly identify what your symptoms mean and when you should take action. Use this information to take proactive steps toward better health and know exactly when to contact a healthcare professional.

Urinary System and Your Health: The Zone Guide

Name	Date
$\square$ Drink plenty of water.	$\square$ Empty your bladder before and after having sex.
$\square$ Do not postpone going to the bathroom. Urinate often and when the urge arises.	$\square$ Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the bowels (intestines) from getting into the urinary tract.
$\square$ Keep your genital area clean.	$\square$ Consider limiting your caffeine.

🟢 Green Zone: All Clear

If you have:

$\checkmark$ Clean yellow urine

$\checkmark$ Frequency of urination is normal for you

$\checkmark$ No pain when you urinate

Green Zone could mean:

$\checkmark$ You are taking steps toward your urinary health

🟡 Yellow Zone: Caution

If you have any of the following:

$\checkmark$ New urinary incontinence, dribbling urine

$\checkmark$ Feel pain or burning when you urinate

$\checkmark$ Have a low-grade fever, feel tired, or are shaky

$\checkmark$ Feel you need to urinate often, even if you just went

$\checkmark$ Feel pressure in your lower belly

$\checkmark$ Have urine that smells bad, is cloudy, or reddish

$\checkmark$ Feel pain in your back or side below the ribs

Yellow Zone could mean:

$\checkmark$ You may have a urinary tract infection

$\checkmark$ Call your home care nurse or primary care doctor

If you notice a Yellow Zone Caution, work closely with your healthcare team

🔴 Red Zone: Medical Alert! Stop and Think

If you have any of the following:

$\checkmark$ Red/bloody urine

$\checkmark$ Feel nauseated or vomit

$\checkmark$ Are unable to pass any urine

$\checkmark$ Have mental changes or confusion

$\checkmark$ Have a fever above 101 degrees

$\checkmark$ Feel pain in the side, back, or groin

Red Zone could mean:

$\checkmark$ You need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

$\checkmark$ Notify your healthcare provider’s office.

$\checkmark$ If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Source

Original Document Title: Urinary System and Your Health
Prepared By: Aging and Disabilities Services
Adapted For Use With Permission By: Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor (HQIC), under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Publication Number (as cited): HSAG-HQIC-20230206

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It does not represent or guarantee that this information is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. This content does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare provider. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or conditions.

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