Open links in new tab
  1. Urinary tract infection
    Urinary tract infectionPart of the urinary tract
    ComplicationsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentsDoctors
    MSN Health
     
  2. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/...

    Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes

    • UTI s are infections in any part of the urinary system, usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra and spreading in the bladder. Learn about the symptoms, types, complications and prevention of UTI s, an… See more

    Overview

    A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections i… See more

    Mayo Clinic
    Symptoms

    UTIs don't always cause symptoms. When they do, they may include: 1. A strong urge to urinate … See more

    Mayo Clinic
    Causes

    UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the def… See more

    Mayo Clinic
    Risk Factors

    UTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTIduring their lifetimes. Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include: 1. Female anatomy.W… See more

    Mayo Clinic
    Complications

    When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems. Complicati… See more

    Mayo Clinic
    Feedback
    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Symptoms
    Causes
    Risk Factors
    Complications
     

  1. Urinary tract infection

    Also known as: UTI
    Content medically reviewed by
    Dr. Pawan Kattiverified specialist
    M.S., M.Ch., F.MAS, Urology
    View full profile onLinkedIn logoLinkedIn
    Causes

    • UTIs generally result from normal gut bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.coli).
    • UTIs, particularly urethritis, can result from sexually transmitted diseases as well
    • UTI are not contagious and does not spread from person to person, unless it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease
    • Factors that result in UTIs include:
    • Abnormalities in the urinary tract
    • Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiplesclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury
    • Weakened immune system
    • Pregnancy
    • Menopause
    • Certain birth control methods, for example, diaphragms
    • Kidney stones
    • Multiple sexual partners
    • Use of catheters in the urinary tract
    • Urinary surgery

    Symptoms & Reports
    Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms.

    Symptoms vary between different types of UTIs. Some of the commonly noted symptoms include:

    • Burning sensation during urination
    • Frequent urination
    • Frequent urge to urinate, but incomplete voiding
    • Pain or pressure in the back or lower abdomen
    • Pelvic pain
    • Blood in urine
    • Cloudy, dark, or strange or strong-smelling urine, mixed with blood in some cases
    • Tiredness
    • Fever and/or chills
    • Nausea and/or vomiting
    • Vaginismus

    Common symptoms and their severity as reported by people on Patientslikeme.

    Symptoms
    Severity Graph
    (682)
    (675)
    (667)
    (663)
    (304)
    Last Update : 2024-05-13.
    Seve...
    Mode...
    Mild
    None
    Prevention

    Empty the bladder when you feel the urge

    Women should wipe from front to back after using the bathroom

    Avoid feminine hygiene sprays

    Drink plenty of water

    Clean your genitals before and after intercourse

    Urinate after intercourse to flush out any germs that would have entered inside the urinary tract

    Complications

    Complications result from untreated UTIs, and include:

    Recurrent infections

    Permanent kidney damage

    Narrowing of urethra, also known as urethral stricture, particularly in men

    Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection

    Source: Focus Medica . For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Learn more
    Was this helpful?
  2. People also ask
    What causes a urinary tract infection?
    A UTI is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and, in rare cases, by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans. Your urinary tract is made up of your:

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Healthline

    healthline.com
    Why do I get bladder infections often?

    Dr. Salma Sultana

    MBBS · 9 years of exp

    Recurrent bladder infections can occur either due to anatomical abnormalities (such as bladder outlet obstruction, presence of urinary catheters etc) or due to conditions which decrease immunity (such as HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, cancer, liver cirrhosis etc). Improper genital hygiene can also lead to recurrent bladder infections.
    Q&A: Bladder Infection
    bing.com
    What causes infection in the urethra?
    Bacteria that may naturally occur around both the vagina and anus can lead to infection in the urethra and the rest of the urinary tract. Urethras in women are also shorter, and the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to enter the bladder.

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Healthline

    healthline.com
    What causes cystitis if you have a urinary tract infection?
    Most of the time, cystitis happens when there's an infection caused by bacteria. This is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Having a bladder infection can be painful and annoying. It can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys. Cystitis also may occur as a reaction to certain drugs or radiation therapy.

    Cystitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

    mayoclinic.org
    What causes a UTI in women?
    Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria. Women and people with female anatomy have shorter urethras than men and people with male anatomy. That makes it easier for bacteria to get to their bladders. Some women are more likely to get UTIs because of their genes. The shape of their urinary tracts makes others more likely to be infected.

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - WebMD

    webmd.com
    What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
    A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men.

    Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes

    mayoclinic.org
    Feedback
  3. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com/women/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

  4. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/dise…

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms

    Apr 6, 2023 · Microorganisms — usually bacteria — cause urinary tract infections. They typically enter through your urethra and may infect your bladder. The infection can also travel up from your bladder through your ureters and …

  5. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-tract-infection-adults

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  6. Verywell Health
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/urinary …

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms, …

    Apr 20, 2023 · A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. In addition to bacteria, yeast may cause a UTI as well. Bacteria are irritating to the bladder and cause inflammation and pain.

  7. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Cystitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  8. nih.gov
    https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-informa…

    Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection—UTI) in Adults

    Symptoms of a bladder infection may include burning during urination; frequent urges to urinate; pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen; and cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine. Bacteria are the most common cause of a bladder …

  9. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

  10. Johns Hopkins Medicine
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/…

    Urinary Tract Infections - Johns Hopkins Medicine

    A UTI happens when germs, most often bacteria from the digestive tract, get into the opening of the urethra and start to multiply. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.

  11. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/uti

    Urinary Tract Infection Basics | Urinary Tract Infection | CDC