What is a urinary tract infection?
A person with a urinary tract infection has an infection of the bladder or kidney, usually caused by bacteria. Bacterial from the rectum or the vagina enter the urethra, and then spread to the bladder of kidneys. About 30 percent of women develop a urinary tract infection at some time during their lives, but urinary tract infections are extremely rare in males.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain during urination, increased urinary frequency, a constant urge to urinate, blood in the urine, fever, and lower abdominal pain. Additional symptoms in those with a kidney infection include back pain, flank pain, fatigue and vomiting.

How does the doctor treat a urinary tract infection?
Treatment for a urinary tract infection may include plenty of liquids, pain medication, and antibiotics. In rare cases, a urinary tract infection may require surgery, in order to remove infected tissue.