A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women have a higher risk of getting UTIs than men.

A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout your urinary tract. A bladder infection is a specific infection that makes its way to your bladder and causes inflammation.

Find out about urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis, including what the symptoms are, when to get medical advice, how they're treated and what a chronic UTI is.

Key points Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotics treat UTIs. Your healthcare provider can determine if you have a UTI and what antibiotic you need.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system: kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of UTIs.

For a simple UTI that happens when you're otherwise healthy, a healthcare professional may suggest a shorter course of treatment. That may mean taking an antibiotic for 1 to 3 days. Whether a short course of treatment is enough to treat your infection depends on your symptoms, the type of antibiotic and your medical history.

The most common symptoms of a UTI are burning with urination and having to urinate frequently (or an urge to urinate) in the absence of vaginal discharge and significant pain. [4]

You’ll know you have a UTI by symptoms such as burning when you pee, pain in your lower belly or back, cloudy or smelly urine, and an urgent need to pee.

Discover effective home remedies for UTI relief and prevention. From staying hydrated to using probiotics, learn how to manage symptoms naturally.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the organs of your urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms depend on the part of the urinary tract affected.