A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, which consists of the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, especially for women.

These are more referred to as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), and are the most common medical complaint among women in their reproductive years. UTIs have been reported to be 25 times far more common among women than among men. Most women will develop a UTI at some time in their lives, and many will have recurrences.

In general, the higher risk in women is mostly due to the shortness of the female urethra from the rectum, which is 1.5 inches compared to 8 inches in men. Bacteria from fecal matter at the anal opening can be easily transferred to the opening of the urethra.

There are several types of UTI, the most common being a bladder infection (cystitis). Urinary tract infections can also involve the ureters and kidneys; these infections are more difficult to treat. The most commonly seen UTIs are cystitis and kidney infections (pyelonephritis), with cystitis being 18 times more common.

Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs. In 85% of cases, the bacteria responsible for UTIs originate in one’s own intestine or vagina. Vaginal bacteria, for example, may be introduced from condoms, or from the act of intercourse, which can push bacteria from outside the urinary system up into the urethra.

While the bladder flushes out the majority of these bacteria during urination, sometimes bacteria can remain, leading to an infection. The most common bacterium to cause UTI is Escherichia coli. Other bacteria that can cause this infection include Proteus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

There are preventive and curative measures to help flush bacteria of the urinary tract that have proven themselves over time.

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