The urinary tract is comprised of the kidneys, which collect urine; the ureters, which deliver urine from the kidneys to the bladder; the bladder, which acts as a reservoir to store the urine; and finally, the urethra, which removes urine from the bladder when it is emptied. A urinary tract infection can occur in any one of these structures, but is most commonly diagnosed in the bladder.
The website for the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, reports bladder infections are more commonly diagnosed in women than in men. This is due, for the most part, to the anatomical proximity of the urethra to the anus and the vagina, where intestinal bacteria collect and are easily introduced into the urethra. Sexual activity may push bacteria in to the urethra; urinating after intercourse may lessen the risk. Attention to female hygiene and cleansing from front to back play a big role in preventing urinary tract infections as well.
The symptoms associated with bladder infections in women are usually caused by E. coli, a bacteria commonly found in the intestinal tract. The symptoms of bladder infections may vary somewhat, but usually include pain, burning, an urge to urinate frequently and in some cases, fever or chills. Symptomatic bladder infections need to be investigated by a physician and are usually treated with antibiotics specific to the organism.
Pain
The pain associated with a bladder infection may be described as a dull ache located above the pubic bone; it may be felt in the urethra when the bladder is being emptied, or it may be interpreted as a cramp-like discomfort in the lower back.
Burning
According to The Merck Manual Online Medical Library under Bladder Infections, burning sensations may be felt when trying to urinate; this is due to the presence of bacteria and localized swelling of inflamed tissues.
Frequency of Urination
The perception of needing to urinate urgently may be felt, only to discover there is little urine to pass. This symptom is also due to localized tissue invasion and inflammation from the bacterial infection. The National Kidney and Urologic Disease information Clearinghouse recommends drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the bacteria, drinking cranberry juice to maintain the acidity of the urine, which helps to fight bacteria, and seeing a physician when symptoms first occur. Waiting too long may lead to complications, such as kidney infection.
