In a urinary tract infection, bacteria have entered the urinary tract through the ureters.
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys act as a filter, removing waste products from the blood and processing them in urine. The ureters transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored and then exits the body through the urethra.
In normal health, urine does not contain foreign bacteria and viruses. But with a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, bacteria have entered the urinary system through the ureters.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection include: a burning sensation when urinating, passing small amounts of urine frequently, and blood in the urine.
Urinary tract infections are common. After childhood, urinary tract infection is more common in women because the urethra in the woman is shorter and closer to the anus. When a urinary tract infection is detected and treated too late, the infection can spread to the bladder and kidneys.
