A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your 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.

What are the main causes of UTI?

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.

What are 6 signs and symptoms of a UTI?

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate.

• A burning sensation when urinating.

• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.

• Urine that appears cloudy.

• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine.

• Strong-smelling urine.

Can stress cause a UTI?

Commonly known as UTI, urinary tract infections can be induced by stress. Feeling highly stressed is not the direct cause, but it leads to high levels of cortisol, which reduce the effect of the immune system.

How do I know if my UTI is getting worse?

If the infection has worsened and travels to the kidneys, symptoms can include the following: Pain in the upper back and sides. Fever. Chills.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Many times a UTI will go away on its own. In fact, in several studies of women with UTI symptoms, 25% to 50% got better within a week — without antibiotics.