UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is another type of UTI. They’re less common, but more serious than bladder infections.

Some people are at higher risk of getting a UTI. UTIs are more common in women and girls because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs:

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:

Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having.

While fever is the most common sign of UTI in infants and toddlers, most children with fever do not have a UTI. Talk to a doctor if you are concerned that your child may have a UTI.

See a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. While most cases of UTIs can be treated outside the hospital, some cases may need to be treated in the hospital.

Please see your doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

ee a doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.

Your doctor will determine if you have a UTI by asking about symptoms, doing a physical examination, and ordering urine tests, if needed.

UTIs are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics. However, any time you take antibiotics, they can cause side effects.

Side effects can range from minor reactions, such as a rash, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections or C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

Sometimes other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases, have symptoms similar to UTIs. Your doctor can determine if a UTI or different illness is causing your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

Antibiotics will usually treat a UTI.

Take them exactly as your doctor tells you.

Do not share your antibiotics with others.

Do not save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines.

Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your doctor might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort.

Urinate after sexual activity.

Stay well hydrated and urinate regularly.

Take showers instead of baths.

Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.

Teach girls when potty training to wipe front to back.