UTIs usually develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. The infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:

• pain or burning during urination
• frequent urge to urinate
• passing small amounts of urine
• cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• blood in the urine in some cases

Possible Causes

UTIs most often occur when bacteria from the bowel or surrounding skin enter the urinary tract. Factors such as sexual activity, urinary retention, urinary catheters or structural problems in the urinary tract may increase the risk of infection.

Reference

Content adapted from information provided by Ontario Health – Health811:https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/medical-library/condition?name=urinary%20tract%20infection