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Urinary Tract Infections in Women

Women can get different kinds of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A diagnosis of a UTI is confirmed with a test called a urine culture.

Bacterial Cystitis

A bladder infection, or bacterial cystitis, is the most common UTI in women. Symptoms include urgent or frequent urination. You may also have fever, pain, burning when you urinate, or bloody urine. Bacterial cystitis is most often treated with antibiotics.

Urethritis

This is an inflamed urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Symptoms include lower stomach or back pain and urgent or frequent urination. Urethritis is also treated with antibiotics.

Pyelonephritis

This is a kidney infection. It can be serious and damage your kidneys if not treated. In severe cases, you may be hospitalized. You may have pain in the upper back. You may also have a fever. Treatment includes antibiotics.

 

Publication Source: Llenderrozos HJ, Clinics in Family Practice 6(1), Urinary tract infections: management rationale for uncomplicated cystitis, 38047, pp 157-161
Publication Source: Rubenstein JN, Schaeffer AJ, Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 17(2), Managing complicated urinary tract infections: the urologic view, Jun 1 2003, pp 333-351
Online Medical Reviewer: Gomella, Leonard MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 4/5/2006