Urinary Infections

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The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters (the tubes from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder

and the urethra (the tube which expels urine from the bladder). It is the system by which urine is created and passed out of the body. Normal urine is sterile. The most common cause of a UTI is when bacteria from the rectal passage enter the

urinary tract, usually through the urethra. This happens more often in women because a woman's urethra

opening is closer to the anus than in men. Around 50% of all women develop UTI at some stage. In men,

cystitis is often associated with infection and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).

Once the infection is in the urethra, it can move up to the bladder (cystitis). If it is not treated quickly, the

infection can continue up the ureters to the kidneys. Bacteria can also enter the kidneys through the

Bloodstream. An infection of the kidneys is a serious condition that can lead to damage and scarring of the

kidneys. This condition is known as pyelonephritis.

Another source of infection is via catheters. Catheters are tubes that are inserted into the urethra, for

example to manage incontinence. Despite precautions, inserting a catheter can introduce bacteria into the

urethra and lead to infection.