The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters which connect the kidneys and the bladder and urethra. A Urinary Tract infection can occur(UTI) in any part of the urinary tract but is most often in the bladder and urethra area.

Some of the more common symptoms are a frequent need or inablility to urinate often with a burning sensation and a strong odour. If the infection spread towards the kidneys then this becomes more serious and can cause cloudy blood in the urine with extreme abdominal pain.

Women are 30 times more likely to develop a UTI than men with a recurrent infection suffered within 3–6 months. This is because anatomy of the female urinary tract makes it susceptible to bacteria infections as it is positioned close to the anus. Recent sexual activity, menopause and pregnancy can also be a cause.

UTIs are rare in adult males younger than fifty years but increase in incidence thereafter. rising dramatically by 20-50% in the over fifties because of the enlargement of the prostate, debilitation, and subsequent instrumentation of the urinary tract. Symptoms are similar to those of women.

A urinary sample and simple bladder ultrasound can positively diagnose any infection and treatment can be prescribed.[:]