Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections. Many people get them at some point, and most aren’t serious. Here’s what health experts have to say about UTIs.

What’s a UTI?

A UTI is an infection anywhere in your urinary tract, including your bladder, urethra and kidneys. It’s usually caused by bacteria that enter your body through your urethra—the tube that carries urine out of your body. A smaller number of UTIs are caused by fungi, viruses or other germs.

What are the symptoms?

One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is the feeling that you need to urinate even when you don’t. You might also experience:

• Burning or pain when urinating.
• Urine leakage.
• Pain in the lower belly area.
• Urine that’s dark, cloudy or foul-smelling.
• Lower back pain.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Bloody urine.

Who’s at risk?

Anyone can develop a UTI, but people with certain risk factors are at increased risk.

Women, for example, tend to have more UTIs than men because they have a shorter urethra. This makes it easier for bacteria to get to the bladder.

Other risk factors include:

• Pregnancy.
• Sexual activity.
• Catheter use.
• Birth control devices.
• Weakened immune systems.
• Previous UTIs.
• Menopause changes.
• Giving birth to several children.
• Diabetes.
• Constipation, specifically in children.
• Blockages, like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate.

How can I prevent a UTI?

You can help keep UTIs at bay by drinking plenty of fluids and practicing healthy bathroom habits, like going to the bathroom as soon as you need to and wiping from front to back. Emptying your bladder before and after sex can also help prevent UTIs.

Can I treat my symptoms at home?

If your symptoms are mild, try increasing the amount of water you drink daily to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.

Drinking concentrated 100% cranberry juice has also shown some success in clearing up UTI symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

If left untreated, UTIs can damage your kidneys and lead to more serious health issues. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor when symptoms occur, especially if:

• You’re pregnant.
• You notice any lower back pain or blood in your urine.
• You experience fever, chills, nausea or vomiting.

Your doctor can test your urine to confirm the diagnosis and give you antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Sources: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; American Medical Association; American Urological Association; Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; National Kidney Foundation