Uncomplicated Urinary tract infection bacterial
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Bacterial
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. UTIs are caused by bacteria and may be painful and uncomfortable. Treatments and prevention methods are available.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Bacteria most commonly come from the bowel and typically enter the urinary tract through the urethra, which can happen when wiping from back to front after a bowel movement. Sexual activity also increases the risk of a vaginal bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Types of bacteria
The most common type of germs that cause urinary tract infections include:
- Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria common in your gastrointestinal tract, can be found in your urinary tract and is responsible for up to 90 percent of uncomplicated UTIs.
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus, another type of bacteria commonly found in the GI tract, typically causes UTIs in young women.
- Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas are other types of bacteria that can also cause UTIs.
Complications of UTIs caused by bacteria
A urinary tract infection caused by bacteria may cause complications, such as:
- A more severe type of UTI, such as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- A recurrent UTI (having three or more separate UTIs in 12 months or two or more in six months)
- Damage to the kidneys, such as kidney scarring