Parkview Health Logo

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs when germs (called bacteria) get into the urinary tract. When you have a UTI several times within a year, it's called a recurrent UTI.

Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body. It includes your bladder and kidneys and the tubes that connect them.

Most UTIs are bladder infections. A bladder infection most often isn't serious if it's treated right away. But if you don't take care of a bladder infection, it can spread to your kidneys. A kidney infection is serious and can cause lasting damage.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in women

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a general term for an infection anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra (where urine comes out). Most UTIs are bladder infections. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a term for an infection anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra  (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). Most UTIs are bladder infections. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate.