Urinary tract infections are caused by harmful bacteria that get into the urinary system. (For more details, see causes, risk factors and prevention of urinary tract infections.) Usually, a UTI begins in the urethra and travels to the bladder. From the bladder it can travel up to the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are identified by their location.
- Cystitis is an infection or inflammation of the bladder. This is the most common type of UTI.
- Urethritis is an infection or inflammation of the urethra.
- Pyelonephritis is an infection in the kidneys. This is the most serious type of UTI because if it is not treated in time, it can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body.
UTIs are often categorized as simple (uncomplicated) or complicated. Complicated UTIs are more severe, either because of their location (kidney infections are usually considered complicated) or the bacteria causing them resist ordinary antibiotics.
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