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Urinary Tract Infections
Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is an infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary tract (the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
Common symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Frequent and intense urges to urinate
- Pain in the lower belly or back.
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection by using a urine test, x-ray, or an exam that looks into the bladder using a special instrument called a cystoscope. Treatment typically involves taking an antibiotic.
(To learn more, including what causes UTIs and how you can reduce your risk, click Urinary Tract Infection.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD