A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection for women of all ages. A UTI is caused by bacteria getting inside your bladder, usually through your urethra (the opening where your urine comes out). Females have shorter urethras than males do, so it is easier for bacteria to get inside and cause infections.

Anyone can have a UTI. But it’s most common in young women who are having sex or pregnant women.

You may notice:

• Pain or burning while urinating (especially at the end of urinating)
• Feeling the need to pass urine frequently
• Urinating very little even though you feel like your bladder is full
• Urine is cloudy and/or foul smelling
• Blood in your urine
• Fever or chills
• Pain in your lower back below your ribs

If you have any of these signs, go to the clinic.

UTIs are very common and easily treated. But you will need to take medicine from the clinic to clear them up. You will usually be given antibiotics to take for a few days. If you don’t, the infection can get worse.