Conditions InDepth: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

The urinary tract is a system of organs. Wastes are filtered from the blood to make urine. It moves through the tract until it passes from the body.

The urinary system is made up of:

Two kidneys—filter wastes from blood and make urine
Two ureters—tubes that move urine from the kidneys to the bladder
Bladder—a hollow organ that holds urine until you’re ready to pass it
Urethra—a tube that passes urine out of the body from the bladder

A UTI can happen in any of these structures.

The Urinary Tract
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A UTI happens when bacteria on the skin, genitals, or rectal area get into the urethra. Once there, they grow and spread. A UTI can also be caused by:

A medical procedure or surgery.
Placing a catheter—A tube placed through the urethra and into the bladder. Bacteria climb the tube into the bladder.
Having sex.

Many types of bacteria can cause a UTI. Rarely, they can be caused by fungi. In children, they can be caused by viruses.

• What are the risk factors for a urinary tract infection? • What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection? • How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed? • What are the treatments for a urinary tract infection? • Are there screening tests for a urinary tract infection? • How can I reduce my risk of getting a urinary tract infection? • What questions should I ask my doctor? • Where can I get more information about urinary tract infections?

REFERENCES:

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-tract-infections-utis/bacterial-urinary-tract-infections-utis. Updated June 2018. Accessed September 20, 2018.

Definition & facts. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/definition-facts. Updated March 2017. Accessed September 20, 2018.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116894/Uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-UTI-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis. Updated June 4, 2018. Accessed September 20, 2018.

Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults. Accessed September 20, 2018.

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Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 9/20/2018

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