Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is an infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections have different names, depending on what part of the tract is infected. Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria such as E.coli that live in the colon (especially the rectum).

Urinary tract infections have different names depending on what part of the tract is infected. Names given to urinary tract infections include cystitis, which is infection of the bladder, and urethritis, which affects the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside). Infection of the kidneys leads to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis.

Adult women are most commonly affected, as their urethra is shorter than men and opens nearer to the anus. This means it is easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system and cause an infection.  About 40% of women get at least one attack of cystitis in their lifetime. It is more common in sexually active women, during pregnancy, after surgery and menopause.