A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria (and sometimes other microbes) enter the urinary tract and begin to grow, usually causing signs and symptoms such as pain and inflammation. The most common symptoms of UTI include a sore throat, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and abdominal cramps. Treatments may include drinking plenty of water to wash the bacteria from the urine and bladder, as well as regular urination.
Urinary tract infections are common in women, and 60% of women have had at least one UTI in their lifetime. Many women suffer multiple infections in their lifetime, but this is the most common form of urinary tract infection in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most UTIs begin in the urethra and bladder, which form the lower urinary tract. Infections can lead to infections of the upper urinary tract, ureter, and kidneys. Cystitis is also called cystitis and is the most common form of UTI. The infection can develop in a variety of ways, such as bacterial or viral infection or bacteria from the anus or vagina.
Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, but other parts of the urinary tract can also become infected. Most UTIs remain in the bladder for a few days or weeks, after which a burning sensation and pain set in. As the bacteria multiply, they penetrate through the opening in the urethra and enter the bladder from the ureters, causing an infection.
In men over 50 years of age, urinary flow from the bladder can be enlarged and blocked. Upper tract infections occur when bacteria reach the kidneys via the urinary tract and bladder, or when bacteria transported in the blood accumulate within the kidney. Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, affects both the ureter and kidney and includes infections of the urine, urethra, bladder, and rectum, as well as the liver and kidneys.
Kidney infection can lead to permanent kidney damage and is the most common cause of UTI in the US. A UTI can affect various parts of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureter, kidneys, bladder, rectum, kidney, and rectum.
A urinary tract infection can typically be diagnosed with a urine test during a doctor’s visit or with urine tests during your doctor’s visit.
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
Cited Sources
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P01497
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- https://www.testing.com/uti-testing/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/urinary-tract-infection-in-men-a-to-z
- https://www.mercy.com/health-care-services/primary-care-family-medicine/conditions/urinary-tract-infection
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
- https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2020/05/14/what-is-a-urinary-tract-infection-understanding-utis-part-1/
Last reviewed by Dr. Syra Hanif, M.D. on 07/16/2020
Learn more about our editorial process.
-
About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
Read More
