Types

• The urinary system includes the kidneys and the ureters, as well as the urethra and the bladder. Urinary tract infections can affect any one of these organs, though they usually start in the urethra and work their way up. Therefore, urethritis--inflammation of the urethra--is the most common type of urinary tract infection. The next step is usually cystitis, or bladder inflammation. The most serious type of urinary tract infection is an inflammation of the ureters and kidneys, which is called pyelonephritis.
  
  

Causes

• Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria that normally lives on your skin or in your intestinal tract is spread to your urinary system. Almost all UTIs begin in the urethra, which is the tube used when urine exits the body. Most of the time the immune system handles the invading bacteria, but the bacteria can reproduce and attach to the urinary lining. Over time, the bacteria travel up the urinary tract, inflaming the bladder, ureters and kidneys.
  
  

Symptoms

• The biggest product of the urinary system is urine, so it only makes sense that symptoms of a urinary tract infection show up in urine. If you are suffering from one of these infections, you may notice that your urine is dark or cloudy. Your urine may also smell more pungent than normal. In some cases, your urine may even contain blood. You may also experience painful or burning sensations when you urinate.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Once you notice the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should see your health care provider for diagnosis, especially if this is your first one. He will most likely ask you for a urine sample to confirm your infection through a urine analysis. A urine analysis will test your urine for the presence of bacteria. Your urine is normally sterile, so if there are bacteria it is a good indication of infection. For those who experience recurring urinary tract infections, your health care provider may also do a urine culture, growing the bacteria in your urine for identification. This can give him more specific information about your type of infection, allowing him to treat it more efficiently.
  
  

Treatment

• Most health care providers will prescribe antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. Amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin are two common antibiotics use to treat UTIs. Depending on the type and severity of your infection, you may be on antibiotics for up to two weeks. You should be warned that you might notice that your symptoms have disappeared after only a short time on the antibiotics. However, you should still finish the entire prescription to avoid a recurring infection or other complications. Always take all medication as your health care provider has directed and speak with him before making any changes.