What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

• Condition type: Infection
• Common age group: All ages (more common in adults, especially women)
• Treatable: Yes
• Emergency: Sometimes (urgent care recommended for fever, back pain, or worsening symptoms)

Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the urinary tract involved and may include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
• Blood in the urine
• Fatigue or general discomfort

If the infection spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may also include fever, chills, nausea, or back pain.

UTIs most commonly develop due to:

• Bacteria entering the urinary tract, often from the digestive tract
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Sexual activity
• Use of urinary catheters
• Hormonal changes (such as menopause)
• Structural or functional urinary tract abnormalities

• Female anatomy
• Sexual activity
• Menopause or hormonal changes
• Diabetes
• Urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying
• Use of catheters
• History of recurrent UTIs

Treatment depends on severity and location of infection and may include:

• Medical evaluation to confirm infection and determine appropriate care
• Prescription antibiotics, when indicated
• Hydration support to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Follow-up testing for recurrent or persistent symptoms
• Evaluation of underlying risk factors in people with frequent UTIs

Early treatment can help prevent complications.