Definition & FactsBladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), but any part of your urinary tract can become infected—the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Your age, habits, or health conditions can make a UTI more likely. Show
Symptoms & CausesSymptoms of a bladder infection may include a burning feeling when you urinate. Most infections in women are caused by bacteria from the bowel that reach the urethra and bladder. Most infections in men are the result of problems that restrict normal urine flow, such as an enlarged prostate. DiagnosisHealth care professionals use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose a bladder infection. If you have repeat infections, your doctor may order additional tests to find the cause of your infection. TreatmentTreatments for bladder infections and other UTIs may include antibiotics and drinking lots of liquids to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Changes in habits, hygiene, or birth control method may help prevent another infection. Eating, Diet, & NutritionExperts don’t think eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in preventing or treating bladder infections. If you have any type of UTI, talk with a health care professional about how much to drink each day to help prevent or relieve your infection. Clinical TrialsThe National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions. Related Conditions & DiseasesRelated Diagnostic TestsThe Urinary Tract & How it WorksThe urinary tract is the body’s drainage system for removing urine, which is composed of wastes and extra fluid. In order for normal urination to occur, all body parts in the urinary tract need to work together in the correct order. Additional LanguagesThis content is also available in:
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates
research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. The NIDDK would like to thank: OverviewA 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 are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. If an infection is limited to the bladder, it can be painful and annoying. But serious health problems can result if a UTI spreads to the kidneys. Health care providers often treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. You can also take steps to lower the chance of getting a UTI in the first place. SymptomsUTIs don't always cause symptoms. When they do, they may include:
In older adults, UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. Types of urinary tract infectionsEach type of UTI may result in more-specific symptoms. The symptoms depend on which part of the urinary tract is affected.
When to see a doctorContact your health care provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips
and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected
health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesUTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.
Risk factorsUTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTI during their lifetimes. Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include:
Other risk factors for UTIs include:
ComplicationsWhen treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems. Complications of a UTI may include:
PreventionThese steps may help lower the risk of UTIs:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) care at Mayo Clinic Sept. 14, 2022
RelatedNews from Mayo ClinicProducts & ServicesIs bladder infection worse than UTI?UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, ureters, bladder, or in more serious cases, the kidneys. A bladder infection is a UTI that only affects the bladder. It is not always possible to distinguish what UTI a person has because the symptoms of the different types can overlap.
What are the symptoms of a bladder infection in females?Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:. Pain or burning while urinating.. Frequent urination.. Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder.. Bloody urine.. Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.. How does a bladder infection feel?Cystitis signs and symptoms may include: A strong, persistent urge to urinate. Pain or a burning feeling when urinating. Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
How can you tell if you have a bladder infection?Urine analysis.
For this test, you collect a small amount of urine in a container. Your provider checks the urine for signs of infection, such as bacteria, blood or pus. If bacteria are found, you may also have a test called a urine culture to check what type of bacteria is causing the infection.
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