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. UTI's are more common in women; at least 50% of them experience one episode in their lifetime.

Infections of the urinary tract can be prevented by taking a few practical steps to reduce your risk. However, once you get a UTI, antibiotics are the best form of treatment.

Most UTI's affect 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
Last Updated - August, 2009