A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in your urinary systems such as kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra and the tubes between them. Such infections are usually caused by bacteria that overcomes the body’s immune system in the urinary tract. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include strong and frequent urge to urinate, strong-smelling and cloudy urine and pelvic pain, etc.

A urinary tract infection can be painful and must be treated immediately. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening situation. This situation is rare but occurs if the infection spreads to the kidneys or other parts of the body. Women are at higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection as compared to men.