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"Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now..." This phrase from a commercial for a bladder control product is also good for describing one of the symptoms of a UTI. Besides the urgent need to find a bathroom, a UTI can cause pain or burning during urination, going only small amounts when your bladder feels full, and foul-smelling urine. More serious infections include back and flank pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the lower abdomen.

Urethritis is infection or inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is quite short in women which is why they have more UTIs than men. This usually causes some burning while urinating and irritation around the urethral opening.

Cystitis is bladder infection or inflammation. This can cause pain in the lower abdomen, pain when urinating, and stinky urine.

Acute pyelonephritis is a kidney infection, often caused by bacteria traveling up from the bladder. This causes pain in the back and flank, foul-smelling urine, nausea and vomiting, and fever.

Some of the causes of UTI include sexual intercourse, E. coli, STDs, long term use of urinary catheters, urine retention, and a suppressed immune system.

Sexual intercourse may lead to UTI simply because a female's urethra is so close to the vagina. Some spermicides in condoms can trigger an infection. Unprotected sex leaves both male and female vulnerable to any bacteria their partner may have. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause UTI. Herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are known to do this. Again, the location of the urethras and the genitals in men and women are factors.

E. coli is a frequent cause because the anus is also close to the urethra in women. Girls should be taught at an early age that after a bowel movement they should wipe from front to back. This moves any fecal matter away from the urethra. Good hygiene in this area is important to prevent infections.

Urinary catheters are often used when a person cannot urinate on his own or has a problem with urinary incontinence due to a medical condition. Long term use of indwelling catheters invites all manner of bacteria to enter the urinary system. The germs just follow the rubber catheter right up into the bladder. Good hygiene is very important in this area, and catheters should be changed at least monthly.

Urine retention is what happens when you can't get the bladder emptied when you urinate. Some of the urine stays in the bladder, creating an environment where bacteria can grow. Holding the urine for long periods of time causes this, also.

The body can usually fight off some infections, but for those with suppressed immune systems, any infection will go unchecked. These are people with AIDS, or undergoing cancer treatments. They need to be especially mindful of good hygiene.

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. For minor infections, a few days of taking an appropriate antibiotic will take care of it. For more severe UTIs, IV antibiotics may be necessary. Unfortunately, many antibiotics will cause yeast infections when used for extended periods of time. Yeast infections have also been linked as a cause of UTI.

Urinary tract infections can be unpleasant, but you can lower the chance of getting one by practicing good hygiene and drinking plenty of water. Water makes the urinary system keep urine moving, all the way from the kidneys through the urethra. It's harder for bacteria to stay and grow when it keeps getting flushed out.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Foster.
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