Women are traditionally more likely to suffer a urinary tract infection than men

URINARY TRACT INFECTION

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving any part of your urinary system. This includes the urethra, the ureters, the bladder or kidneys. They are the result of bacteria getting into the otherwise clean urinary tract. Most UTIs occur in women, and one in five women experience them. It has been found that 90% of UTIs are caused by E.Coli bacteria.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

The symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection are closely associated with urination and include frequent urges to urinate, experiencing pain while urinating, and pain on either side of the abdomen. UTIs can be confirmed with a urinalysis or a urine culture.

How are urinary tract infections treated?

Urinary tract infections need to be taken seriously and must be treated. Depending on what bacteria is found through urinalysis or a urine culture, your doctor will prescribe the best antibiotic to combat that infection. If left untreated, UTIs can cause damage to the reproductive system and in some cases cause sterility, especially in men.