MamasHealth.com Home Women's Health Adenomyosis Atrophic vaginitis Bartholin's abscess Cervical dysplasia Cervical polyps Cervictis Depo provera Domestic violence Endometrial hyperplasia Endometrial polyps Endometriosis Escape an attacker Folic acid Finding time for sex Hormone therapy Alternatives How to be a better mom HPV scare Important health tests Labial reduction surgery Menorrhagia Menopause Menstrual cramps Midlife checklist Mittelschmerz Moms need friends too Ovarian cysts Painful sex Pelvic exams PID PMS Polycystic ovarian Preeclampsia Pregnancy Salpingitis Toxic shock syndrome 1 Toxic shock syndrome 2 Urinary incontinence Urinary tract infection Uterine bleeding Uterine fibroids Vaginal cysts Vaginal dryness Vaginal rejuvenation Vaginal warts Vaginismus Vaginitis Vulvar dystrophy Vulvitis Vulvodynia Women & calcium Women & medicine Women & heart Disease Yeast infections Links Email Mama Tips to get him in the mood Why women should care about prostate cancer Donating your eggs Help for rape victims Stay at home moms Women and calcium 9 things women should know about men Shy girls guide to flirting	What is a Urinary Tract Infection? A urinary tract infection is the inflammation of the urinary bladder or urethra. In most cases, it is caused by a bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections are very common. A urinary tract infection is also called a bladder infection, cystitis or a UTI. Urinary tract infections usually occur in females because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, however, it can occur in males. Males that develop urinary tract infections are often uncircumcised boys. Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may vary. Young children with urinary tract infections may only have a fever, or may have no symptoms. Pressure in the lower pelvis Painful Urination Painful Sexual intercourse Frequent need to urinate Fever Chills Vomiting Urgent need to urinate Cloudy Urine Blood in the urine Foul or strong urine odor What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection? A urinary tract infection is usually caused when bacteria enter the urethra and bladder and cause inflammation and infection. In normal conditions, the urethra and bladder have no bacteria. When bacteria enters the bladder, it is usually removed during urination. Some of the most common causes of urinary tract infections are: Instruments inserted into the urinary tract (such as during catheterization or cystoscopy). Pregnancy Diabetes A history of analgesic nephropathy or reflux nephropathy. Risks of Developing a Urinary Tract Infection Some activities and conditions can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infections. The most common risks are: sexual intercourse benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) bowel incontinence prostatitis urethral strictures lack of adequate fluids Can a Urinary tract infection be Treated? Urinary tract infections can be treated. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to control the infection.
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