A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and multiply in the bladder. Though the urinary system is supposed to ward away these microscopic invaders, at times, it fails. In such cases, the bacteria grows into a full-sized infection. Read on to know the symptoms and causes of UTI.

Symptoms

UTIs usually do not cause any significant or noticeable symptoms. However, some common symptoms of UTI are given below.

• Persistent and strong urge to pee
• Burning or tingling sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Urinating in small quantities
• Cloudy urine
• Changes in the color of urine cola-colored, bright pink, or red; signifying the presence of blood in the urine
• Foul smell in urine
• Pelvic pain, especially towards the center of the pelvis around the pubic bone

People disregard the symptoms of UTI for other conditions. However, if one experiences more than a few symptoms that do not subside, one should consult a doctor.

Causes
Commonly UTI occurs in women and affects their urethra and bladder. The predominant causes of UTI are:

• Cystitis

Cystitis implies the infection of the bladder. It usually develops because of Escherichia coli, which is a common bacteria. This bacteria is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Intercourse might cause cystitis. However, that in no way implies that cystitis develops only in sexually active people.

• Abnormal anatomy

Your chances of developing a UTI are higher if one has recently inserted a device inserted in the urinary tract or if there is any abnormality in the urinary tract. The device can be a tube to get rid of the fluid from the body. Moreover, if one is unable to pee normally because of blockage, one is at a greater risk of developing UTI. Anatomical abnormalities that are more common in children also make one susceptible to developing UTI. Additionally, structural abnormalities, such as diverticula, which harbor bacteria in the urethra or bladder or any blockage in the enlarged bladder, can lead to UTI.

• Urethritis

It is a urethra infection, which develops when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. It may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, herpes, mycoplasma, and gonorrhea.

• Immune system

Women who have diabetes are also at a greater risk of developing UTI. It is because their immune system is unable to combat germs.

• Pyelonephritis

It is a kidney infection and puts one at risk of developing UTI.

So, these are all the symptoms and causes of UTI that you need to remember.