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They can affect the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that run between them. Share on PinterestUTIs are one of the most common types of outpatient infections in the United States, leading to more than 8.1 million visits to the doctor every year. The urinary tract consists of the upper and lower urinary tract. The kidneys and ureters make up the upper urinary tract, and the urethra and bladder make up the lower urinary tract. UTIs have different names depending on where they occur. For example:A bladder infection is called cystitis.A urethra infection is known as urethritis.A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis. What is a urinary tract infection UTI A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that can affect: the bladderthe kidneysthe urethra A UTI is classified as “simple” or “complicated.” Simple UTIs will usually only affect the bladder. Complicated UTIs describe resistant infections that require stronger medications, or those that affect the kidneys. According to 2022 research, groups at a higher risk of complicated UTIs include:malespregnant peopleimmunocompromised peopleolder peoplethose using cathetersthose having radiotherapy treatment Additionally, blockages and problems with kidney function can increase a person’s risk of developing a complicated UTI. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) writes that bladder infections — simple UTIs — are the most common type. Overall, females are more likely to develop a UTI than males, with 40–60% of females developing an infection at least once in their life and 10% of females developing a UTI once a year. Females are at a higher risk than males because their urethra is shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Symptoms In adults Lower UTIs affect the bladder or urethra and can cause:a frequent need to urinatepain, discomfort, or burning sensation when urinatinga sudden urge to urinatecloudy, strong-smelling urine that may contain bloodthe sensation that the bladder is not fully emptyfeeling unwell, tired, and achy Upper UTIs affect the kidneys and ureters. As well as the symptoms above, they can cause:a fever of 100.4 ºF (38 ºC) or higherconfusionagitationrestlessnesspain in the back and sideschills and shiveringnausea and vomiting In males Males and females share the same symptoms. However, 2021 research suggests that males had a higher chance of experiencing symptoms that affect the lower urinary tract. It is worth noting that this study involved 1,256 people from a single community in Japan, so the findings may not apply to other populations. In children Additional symptoms in children include:a high temperatureappearing generally unwell — for example, babies may appear irritable and not feed wellvomitingwetting the bed or themselves In older adults or those with a catheter Additional symptoms of UTIs in older adults or those with a urinary catheter include:wetting themselves new shiveringnew shakingagitationconfusion Causes The Urology Care Foundation notes that different bacteria live on the skin or around the rectum and vagina. When the bacteria enter the urethra, they can travel to the bladder. According to the NIDDK, the body usually flushes out the bacteria before they reach a person’s bladder. However, in some cases, the body is unable to do so, resulting in a UTI. UTIs most commonly occur due to the following bacteria:Escherichia coliProtus mirabilisEnterococcus faecalisStaphylococcus saprophyticusKlebsiella pneumoniae People of any age and sex can develop a UTI. However, some people are more at risk than others. The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI:being sexually activehaving difficulty fully emptying the bladderhaving a condition that causes a blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stoneshaving diabeteshaving recently used a catheterhaving had a previous UTI having vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that causes the urine to flow backward from the bladder and up toward the kidneyshaving poor hygiene In females The NIDDK notes that females are more likely to develop UTIs than males. This is because females have a shorter urethra, meaning the bacteria have less distance to travel to the bladder. Additionally, the urethra is closer to the rectum, where the UTI-causing bacteria are present. Going through menopause and using birth control methods, such as diaphragms or spermicide, can also increase the chance of developing a UTI. Is pregnancy a risk factor for a UTI According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant people have a higher risk of UTIs than other people. Changes in the body during pregnancy can cause changes in the urinary tract. Learn more about UTIs in pregnancy here. In males Males share the same risk factors for developing a UTI. However, having an enlarged prostate is a male-specific risk factor. An enlarged prostate can block or obstruct the usual flow of urine. Complications In some cases, lower UTIs can lead to pyelonephritis. This is a sudden and severe kidney infection. Symptoms include:feverflank painvomitingnauseaburning urinationincreased frequency and urgency to urinatefatigueshakingchillsmental changes If a person suspects they have a kidney infection, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Recurrent or long-lasting kidney infections can cause permanent damage. Some sudden kidney infections can be life threatening, particularly if bacteria enter the bloodstream in a condition known as septicemia. They can also increase the risk of pregnant people delivering infants prematurely or with low birth weight. Prevention There are several measures that an individual can take to reduce the risk of developing a UTI, including:drinking 6–8, 8-ounce glasses of water per dayemptying the bladder fully when urinatingurinating after sexual intercoursewearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwearkeeping the genital area cleanavoiding the use of perfumed products on the genitals The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests taking showers instead of baths and avoiding douching. Females should also wipe from the front to the back to help avoid spreading the germs from the rectum to the vagina. In addition, if a person experiences frequent or recurring UTIs, they should talk with a doctor about switching birth control methods if they use it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists mentions that cranberry pills and unsweetened cranberry juice may help decrease the chance of contracting UTIs. However, research is ongoing. Individuals should contact a doctor if they develop UTI symptoms, especially if they have developed symptoms of a potential kidney infection. Diagnosis A doctor will usually diagnose a UTI after asking about a person’s symptoms and testing a urine sample to assess the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. In some cases, a doctor may culture the urine to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. If someone has recurrent UTIs, a doctor may request further diagnostic testing to determine if anatomical or functional issues are the cause. Such tests may include:Diagnostic imaging: This involves assessing the urinary tract using ultrasound, CT and MRI scanning, radiation tracking, or X-rays.Urodynamics: This procedure determines how well the urinary tract stores and releases urine.Cystoscopy: This allows the doctor to see inside the bladder and urethra with a camera lens inserted through the urethra via a long thin tube. Treatment A healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics to treat UTIs, regardless of a person’s sex. The type of medication and length of treatment will depend on a person’s symptoms and medical history. People should always complete the full course of treatment to make sure that the infection is fully clear and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. UTI symptoms can disappear before the infection has completely gone. To cure a UTI that has occurred due to problems within the urinary system, a healthcare professional will need to diagnose the underlying issue. If the person is seriously ill, they may need to be admitted to a hospital to ensure they consume sufficient fluids and receive the correct medication. People may also need to go to the hospital if they are:pregnant and are otherwise illan older adulthave cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or other medical problemshave kidney stones or other changes in their urinary tractrecovering from recent urinary tract surgery To help treat and prevent recurrent UTI infections, a healthcare professional may:suggest changing birth control methodsprescribe a single daily dose of antibiotics for 6–12 monthsprescribe a single dose of antibiotics to take each time a person has sexual intercourse Home remedies There are several suggested remedies that people with a UTI can try at home. These include:Staying hydrated: The NIDDK states that drinking plenty of fluids, with water being the best option, can help flush bacteria from the body. Urinating frequently: Urinating as soon as a person feels they need to can help prevent and treat a UTI.Probiotics: Researchers have not definitively concluded whether probiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs. However, Lactobacillus probiotics may improve vaginal health by producing antibacterial hydrogen peroxide, lowering the pH of urine so bacteria cannot easily grow, and preventing bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells.Heat therapy: A person can apply a hot water bottle or warm cloth to their abdomen or back to manage any pain from a bladder or kidney infection. A 2021 study found that other successful home remedies to help stop recurrent UTIs included:washing hands before and after touching the genitalsavoiding spermicideswiping from front to back to reduce the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the vaginausing vaginal estrogens, if appropriate When to contact a doctor A person should contact a doctor if they develop symptoms of a UTI. Without treatment, UTIs can lead to a sudden and severe kidney infection which can be life threatening. The NIDDK advises people to seek care immediately if they develop:severe pain in the back near the ribs or lower abdomenvomitingnauseafever Frequently asked questions Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about urinary tract infections. How do you know if someone has a urinary tract infection Although symptoms can differ from person to person, the following symptoms may indicate a person has a UTI:burning when urinatingfrequent need to urinatecloudy, dark, strong-smelling urineblood in the urinelower stomach painback pain to mid-back painfever If a person develops these symptoms or notices these symptoms in another person, they should seek medical advice. Will a UTI go away on its own Some UTIs can go away on their own. A 2022 article states that some uncomplicated UTIs can resolve spontaneously without treatment, but that some people need to see a doctor to relieve their symptoms. A person should always see a doctor if they develop symptoms of a UTI as they can progress into a kidney infection. Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections Risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections include:spermicide use within the previous yeargetting first UTI under the age of 16having a mother with a history of UTIsurinary incontinence not fully emptying the bladder when urinatinglow urinary volumes high frequency of sexual intercourse A person should speak with a doctor if they get recurrent UTIs. What are the causes of urinary tract infections The primary cause of UTIs is bacteria traveling from the rectum, perineum, and vagina to the urethra. However, some other causes can include blood-borne bacteria. People may be at a higher risk of developing a UTI if they:have frequent UTIsare sexually activehave difficulty fully emptying the bladderhave a blockage in the urinary tract, such as kidney stoneshave diabetesuse a catheterhave vesicoureteral reflux Summary A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. The urethra and bladder make up the lower urinary tract, and the upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and ureters. The main symptoms include a burning sensation during urination and a frequent and intense urge to urinate. The symptoms are the same for both males and females. However, males are more likely to experience the sensation that they have not finished urinating and urine dribbling from the penis after urination. UTIs occur due to bacteria present on the skin and around the rectum and vagina. However, some risk factors are female- or male-specific. Treatment includes antibiotics, and a person should drink plenty of fluids. If an individual notices symptoms of a UTI, they should contact a healthcare professional. Without treatment, a kidney infection can occur. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on July 24, 2022Urinary Tract InfectionInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / VirusesUrology / Nephrology 14 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Aggarwal, N., et al. (2021). Recurrent urinary tract infections.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557479/#article-28284_s8Bladder infection (urinary tract infection - UTI) in adults. 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(2019).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adultsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By James McIntosh — Updated on July 24, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageUrosepsis: What to know about UTI complicationsMedically reviewed by Xixi Luo, MD Urosepsis is a term used to describe a type of sepsis that is limited to the urinary tract. It is a complication often caused by urinary tract…READ MOREWhat do leukocytes in the urine mean?Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D. Leukocytes are white blood cells that help protect people from infection. 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