Urinary tract infections
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An infection in any part of the urinary system, the kidneys, bladder or urethra.
Urinary tract infections are more common in women. They usually occur in the bladder or urethra, but more serious infections involve the kidney. A bladder infection may cause pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate, pain with urination and blood in the urine. A kidney infection may cause back pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. Common treatment is with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Usually self-diagnosable. A bladder infection may cause pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate, pain with urination and blood in the urine. A kidney infection may cause back pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. People may experience:
Pain areas: in the bladder, groin, lower abdomen, or pelvis
Pain circumstances: can occur during urination or during sexual intercourse
Urinary: foul smelling urine, frequent urination, bladder spasm, cloudy urine, dark urine, persistent urge to urinate, sense of incomplete bladder emptying, or blood in urine
Whole body: fatigue, fever, or malaise
Also common: cramping or vaginal irritation
Common symptoms include a strong, frequent urge to urinate and a painful and burning sensation when urinating. A UTI is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and testing of a urine sample. UTIs can be cured with 2 to 3 days of treatment. Cranberry extracts do not treat UTIs but may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTI.
