Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections that women get. They can strike at any age and even men get them, although that is much more rare (purely due to anatomy). The vagina also serves as a much more ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. A common way that it spreads is from pools and hot tubs that have been tainted by someone previously.

The urinary tract is usually very sterile but if it comes into contact with bacteria that somehow manages to find it's way down the urethra it will most likely multiply quickly and spread. It is quite a tricky condition to diagnose since it has many of the same symptoms as many other conditions. The best way to be sure is to get educated about the symptoms and what you are currently experiencing. The most common and annoying symptom is the constant feeling of needing to urinate. Your body is trying to expel what little urine there is inside your bladder to make sure the bacteria gets out. It's as if your body is playing a cruel trick on you because as soon as you are done peeing out the little urine you have inside you, you feel the immediate need to do it again, and again. Another terrible feeling is the burning sensation during peeing which gets worse towards the end. You will often find the color isn't quite right either: it is either cloudy or a darker color than usual. This can be pus or blood and is the strongest sign that things aren't quite right. If it smells really bad too that can be a strong sign as well. The pain can be excruciating and seems to emanate from the belly so taking a mild painkiller can help things before you get to see a real doctor or get treatment. Read more...