Overview
A urinary tract infection, abbreviated as UTI, is an infection of the bladder. The bladder holds urine produced by the kidneys.



What is going on in the body?
The bladder and the urine it holds are normally free from bacteria and other organisms. A urinary tract infection occurs when organisms are introduced into the bladder. Bacteria from the skin or from the vagina may enter through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Organisms can also enter the bladder on urinary catheters. Bacteria in the bladder are usually flushed out when the person urinates. If bacteria multiply faster than they can be removed, a UTI results. UTIs are more common in women than in men because women have a shorter urethra which allows easier access for bacteria. The entrance of bacteria is often precipitated by sexual intercourse.

-Taken from Diseases and Conditions Encyclopedia located at Discoveryhealth.com