Urinary Tract Infections
(UTI)

The urinary tract is composed of 2 Kidneys, 2 Ureters, 1 bladder and 1 Urethra.
The Kidneys are paired bean shaped organs located in your upper abdomen towards the flanks and they help filter waste from the blood. In the process of filtering these waste products, they produce urine. The urine produced flows through your ureters to your bladder where it is stored and when the bladder is full, you pass out the urine through your urethra.

Any of these structures can become infected. However most infections are usually in the lower urinary tracts because they are closer to the exterior. Urinary tract infection is common especially amongst women; at least 50% of them experience one episode in their lifetime.

Urinary tract infections can be prevented by taking a few practical steps to reduce your risk. However, once you get a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are the best means of treatment.

Most urinary tract infections involve the bladder and if not adequately taken care of can spread to involve the kidneys and can cause extensive and long lasting damage.

Created - March, 2007