Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria which enters the urinary tract from the bowel. These bacteria enter the through the urethra and make their upward to cause infection in the bladder and other areas of the urinary tract.
Women can also develop urinary tract infections from sexual intercourse because vaginal bacteria are massaged into the urethra during intercourse. The female anatomy also makes women more prone to developing urinary tract infections. Multiple sexual partners can also experience urinary tract infections more often than those who are monogamous.
Women who wait long periods of time before emptying their bladders because forcing the bladder to stretch beyond its normal capacity too often can weaken the muscles which will cause it to retain urine.
Some other causes of urinary tract infections include having multiple urinary tract infections as a child, pregnancy, menopause or diabetes.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections include experiencing a very strong urge to go to the bathroom that can not be delayed. Urination is followed by extreme pain or a burning sensation. Most times very little urine is actually passed during urination and this may sometimes be stained with blood. The urge to urinate will happen often and sometimes pain or soreness will occur in the back area, lower abdomen or sides. If experiencing any of these symptoms, try a home remedy for UTI for treating the problem.
Pain, fever, chills and nausea and/or vomiting may be present if bacteria spreads to the kidneys.