Urinary tract infections

The urinary system is the body’s drainage system for eliminating waste and excess water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body.

You may have a urinary tract infection if you notice:

• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Fever, tiredness or shakiness
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Urine that is foul-smelling, cloudy, or reddish in appearance
• Less commonly, nausea or back pain

People of any age or sex can get urinary tract infections. But women get them about four times more often than men. You are also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury.

If you think you have a urinary tract infection, it is important to see your doctor. He or she can confirm it with a urine test.