Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria is present within the urinary tract in significant numbers. UTIs are common in women, with 1 in 5 adult women aged 20-65 years experiencing a UTI at least once a year. Approximately 50% of women will experience UTIs at least once in their life.
Cystitis (bladder infection) makes up the majority of these infections. Involvement of the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis) is less common compared to that of cystitis but can be associated with more serious complications.
Urinary tract infections may be classified by where the infection occurs in the urinary tract or its severity (uncomplicated versus complicated).
Cystitis (bladder infection): This is the most common type of UTI which occurs when bacteria infects the bladder.
Urethritis (urethra infection): This type of UTI affects the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection): A more severe UTI that affects the kidneys.
Patients will receive different investigations and treatments depending on the severity and location of the infection
If UTI is left untreated, the infection can spread upwards to the kidneys, causing infection in the kidneys and even renal failure. It can also spread via the blood stream (septicaemia) to affect the body in general, which may be fatal in the worst cases.
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