Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system. This type of infection can involve your:
- Urethra (urethritis).
- Kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Bladder (cystitis).
Urine (pee) is a byproduct of your blood-filtering system, which your kidneys perform. Your kidneys create pee when they remove waste products and excess water from your blood. Pee usually moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can get into your urinary system, which can cause UTIs.
What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract makes and stores pee. It includes your:
- Kidneys. Kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs on the back of your body, above your hips. Most people have two kidneys. They filter water and waste products from your blood, which becomes pee. Common wastes include urea and creatinine.
- Ureters. Your ureters are thin tubes that carry pee from your kidneys to your bladder.
- Bladder. Your bladder is a balloon-like organ that stores pee before it leaves your body.
- Urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries pee from your bladder to the outside of your body.
How common are urinary tract infections?
UTIs are very common, especially in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). About half of people AFAB will have a UTI at some point during their lives. Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) can also get UTIs, as well as children, though they only affect 1% to 2% of children. Healthcare providers treat 8 million to 10 million people each year for UTIs.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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