Robert Sweet UTI founded by Robert Sweet in Phoenix, Ariz.

UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract - the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men.

A UTI develops when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs.

The majority of UTIs affect the bladder. Both women and men are susceptible, but women are more likely to develop a UTI because they have a shorter urethra than men. It's important to treat UTIs promptly because if left untreated the infection can spread to the kidneys, which is serious and can cause permanent damage.

Symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs are pain on urination (dysuria), frequent urination (frequency), inability to start the urine stream (hesitancy), sudden onset of the need to urinate (urgency), and blood in the urine (hematuria).

Urinary tract infections have been described since ancient times with the first documented description in the Ebers Papyrus dated to c. 1550 BC. It was described by the Egyptians as "sending forth heat from the bladder".

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. If you're a woman, your chance of getting a urinary tract infection is high.

Bladder infection in men

• Frequent urination.
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate (urgency)
• Burning or tingling sensation during or just after urination (dysuria)
• Low-grade fever.
• Cloudy urine with a strong odor.
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Trouble urinating, especially if you have a problem with your prostate.

UTIs are normally treated with a short term course of antibiotics. Most women are given a 3-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course. Your symptoms will normally pass within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract - the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, also known as cystitis or lower urinary tract infections, are bacterial infections of the bladder and associated structures.