Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of infections in females. It is estimated that one in every two women suffers from this disease once in her lifetime. Also, every woman has a 50% chance of suffering from a urinary tract infection once in a lifetime. The common symptoms include burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, pain and discomfort in the bladder, mild fever and malaise may also be present.

Urinary tract infection can involve the lower urinary tract or the upper urinary tract. The upper urinary tract infections are more severe and hazardous. Lower urinary tract infections are less severe and can be eliminated by routine medicines. Upper tract infections include the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and ureters while lower tract infections include the urinary bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).

Urinary tract infections are more common in females mainly because of two reasons; one is the shorter urethra in females as compared to males, and second is the shorter distance between anus and urethra. Pregnant women have lower chances of urinary tract infections, but if it occurs then it is likely to reach the upper tract.

The main bacterium which causes urinary tract infections is Escherichia Coli. It is a normal inhabitant of the digestive tract and is found normally in and around the anus. E. Coli is attributed to 80-85% of urinary tract infections. The second most common organism is Staphylococcus saprophyticus. It is known to cause 10-15% of the infections.

The most common causes of urinary tract infections are:

• Improper wiping after excretion is a very common cause of urinary tract infections. It is advised that a front-to-back motion must be used while wiping, to avoid the transfer of the bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
• These bacteria are also easily transported to the urethra during sexual intercourse.
• People having an obstructive disease (kidney stones) also develop the infection easily. The process of urination helps in flushing the bacteria out of the tract. Patients having an obstructive disease have improper urine flow, thus allowing the bacteria to flourish
• Sexually active women are also at a greater risk of developing the infection.
• Persons with compromised immunity (as in HIV/AIDS or diabetes) also develop the infection easily as the immune system is not able to ward off the infection.
• Women using some particular types of contraception like diaphragms.
• Urinary catheters are also responsible for causing urinary tract infections in persons who have long term catheterisations.