Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are common and typically involve the ureters, bladder urethra and, in more serious cases, the kidneys.

They are experienced by 10% to 20% of the population, with a much higher incidence (10 times higher) in females than males. Ten percent of infants, 2% to 3% of adults between the ages of 20 to 60 and 10% to 20% of adults over the age of 60 years suffer with UTIs. There is also a high rate of recurrence of urinary tract infections.

Urine is a filtered product of waste materials contained in the blood. It is produced in the kidneys. Bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), klebsiella, proteus, enterobacter and pseudomonas are common pathogenic causes of UTIs. E. coli is a normally occurring non-disease-producing bacteria that causes up to 85% of all urinary tract infections. The bacteria enter through the urethra and can travel up to the bladder and cause infection.

Lower urinary tract infections commonly involve the bladder causing cystitis, characterized by difficult and painful urination and increased frequency and urgency of urination. Other symptoms include fever, chills, flank pain, low back pain and abdominal discomfort. In more serious cases, symptoms include blood in the urine, diarrhea, vomiting and kidney dysfunction.

The association of UTIs with sexual relationships in........

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