- 1. Kidneys
- 2. Ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
- 3. Bladder
- 4. Urethra (tube from the bladder that carries urine out of the body)
Urinary tract infections are most often caused by bacteria that get into the urinary tract through the urethra.
Factors that can increase your chance of developing a UTI include:
- 1. Being a woman
- 2. Diabetes
- 3. Advanced age
- 4. Enlarged prostate
- 5. Kidney stones
- 6. Pregnancy
- 7. Having a urinary catheter in place
Besides painful urination, other symptoms of UTI include:
- 1. Fever
- 2. Foul or stronger-smelling urine
- 3. Cloudy or bloody urine
- 4. Increased urinary frequency or urge to urinate
- 5. Flank pain
Inflammation and irritation: A range of problems can lead to inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract or genital area, leading to the symptom of painful urination. Besides infections, other reasons that area may be irritated or inflamed include:
- 1. Stones in the urinary tract
- 2. Irritation of the urethra from sexual activity
- 3. Interstitial cystitis, a condition caused by bladder inflammation
- 4. Vaginal changes related to menopause
- 5. Activities such as horseback riding or bicycling
- 6. Vaginal sensitivity or irritation related to use of scented soaps or bubble bath, toilet paper, or other products such as douches or spermicides
- 7. Side effects from certain medications, supplements, and treatments
- 8. Tumor in the urinary tract