Not Medical Advice: According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, most UTIs are caused by bacteria that live in the bowel. The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes most UTIs.
Urinary tract infections are caused by microbes—organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. Normally, bacteria that enter the urinary tract are quickly removed by the body before they cause symptoms. But sometimes bacteria overcome the body’s natural defenses and cause infection.
People of any age or sex can get UTIs. But about four times as many women get UTIs as men. Women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Women who use a diaphragm are also more likely to get UTIs than women who use other forms of birth control.
Others at higher risk for UTIs are people:
with diabetes or problems with the body’s natural defense system
who need a tube to drain their bladder
with urinary tract abnormalities that block the flow of urine
with spinal cord injuries or other nerve damage
Signs and symptoms of a UTI include:
a burning feeling when you urinate
frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when you have little urine to pass
pain in your back or side below the ribs
cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
fever or chills
UTIs are treated with antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing your UTI.
To learn more about UTI, visit The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
If you are looking to reduce your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI), here are some doctor-recommended prevention tips shared by Cystex.