Urinary tract infections affect many women. In fact, most women experience one at some point. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys.

There are two common types of bacterial infection. One is called cystitis and is the most common infection affecting the bladder. The other is pyelonephritis, where the infection has reached the kidneys.

Common symptoms of cystitis include needing to urinate more often, a burning sensation when urinating and sometimes a small amount of blood. Pain may also occur in the lower abdomen.

Pyelonephritis can cause symptoms similar to cystitis, but they are often stronger and the person may feel ill, for example with fever, nausea and pain in the side of the abdomen.

Women are affected by UTIs more often than men because a woman's urethra is shorter. A woman's urethra is about 4 cm long, while a man's is around 20 cm. The shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to enter. Men can nevertheless also develop UTIs.

Cystitis

• Burning when urinating
• You need to urinate more often
• Possible blood in the urine
• Pain may occur in the lower abdomen

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. It is a form of UTI limited to the bladder.

Cystitis usually resolves on its own within a week.

Treatment

If you have blood in your urine or the symptoms have not resolved within a week, contact a physician. This also applies if you are a man. Antibiotic treatment is often started when appropriate. If you have a fever, you should always contact a physician.

The home remedies mentioned below are not supported by research and should therefore only be regarded as general advice while you arrange medical care:

• Drink plenty of water

At the first symptoms of a UTI, drinking extra water may help.

• Cranberries

Cranberry juice is a classic home remedy sometimes used to relieve UTI symptoms. A fairly large amount is generally needed for any possible effect. Cranberry extract is also available in tablet form.

• Apple cider vinegar

Some people report that apple cider vinegar helps them. It contains compounds that are sometimes claimed to limit bacterial growth. A traditional home remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drink it several times a day.

There is no research supporting this.

• Heat

Heat can help reduce discomfort and muscle contractions. Place a hot-water bottle or heating pad on the lower abdomen.

• Acidic drinks

Lemon juice, orange juice and other acidic drinks can make urine more acidic and lower its pH.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis 

Pyelonephritis means that bacteria have traveled up to the kidneys. The condition can be harmful to your health. If bacteria reach the bloodstream, sepsis can occur, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms:

• You feel ill
• Fever
• Nausea
• Pain in the side of the abdomen and/or lower back
• Burning when urinating
• Need to urinate frequently
• Other symptoms may also occur

Treatment:

• Pyelonephritis is always treated with antibiotics.

Children:

Symptoms of pyelonephritis in children can include high fever, vomiting, poor appetite and difficulty getting a normal response from the child. If your child has symptoms, seek medical care promptly. Children, like adults, are treated with antibiotics.