What do bladder infections come from

Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus womb with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI. Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry.

This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI. Have diabetes, which can lower your immune defense system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder Have or recently had a catheter in place. A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder.

Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery. What are the symptoms of a UTI? If you have a UTI, you may have some or all of these symptoms: 6 , 7 Pain or burning when urinating An urge to urinate often, but not much comes out when you go Pressure in your lower abdomen Urine that smells bad or looks milky or cloudy Blood in the urine.

This is more common in younger women. If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor or nurse right away. Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak. This is more common in older women. Having a fever, which may mean the infection has reached your kidneys. What causes UTIs? How is a UTI diagnosed? These tests may include: A cystogram. This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract.

These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones. A cystoscopic exam. The cystoscope is a small tube the doctor puts into the urethra to see inside of the urethra and bladder for any problems. How is a UTI treated? What can happen if a UTI is not treated? Sometimes the infection can get in the bloodstream. This is rare but life-threatening. How do UTIs affect pregnancy? How can I prevent UTIs? You can take steps to help prevent a UTI. But you may follow these steps and still get a UTI.

Urinate when you need to. Don't go without urinating for longer than three or four hours. Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:.

UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults. Each type of UTI may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected. Contact your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of a UTI. Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.

Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. Infection of the bladder cystitis. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible. Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it.

All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.

Urinary tract infections are common in women, and many women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes. Risk factors specific to women for UTIs include:. When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can have serious consequences. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Most typical in men, bladder stones can be a secondary…. Although all three conditions are similar, learn the differences between overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and UTI, including what causes each. Urinary tract infections UTIs are very common in children. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is a Bladder Infection? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Bladder infection A bladder infection is most often caused by a bacterial infection within the bladder. What causes a bladder infection?

What are the symptoms of bladder infection? Who is at risk for a bladder infection? How is a bladder infection diagnosed? How is a bladder infection treated? Can bladder infections be prevented? Long-term outlook. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.

Overactive Bladder vs. Urinary Tract Infection in Children. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. Unlubricated condoms or spermicidal condoms may cause irritation, which can help bacteria grow.

UI is caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that hold or release urine. These muscles include bladder muscles, which contract to force urine into the urethra, and sphincter muscles that surround the urethra, which relax to allow urine to pass from the body. Incontinence occurs if bladder muscles suddenly contract or sphincter muscles are not strong enough to hold back urine. These muscles also help to hold the urinary tract in place, so if the muscles are weakened, they may not be able to keep the bladder or other structures in the right position in the body.