Urinary tract infection is an infection that involves the urinary tract including: urethra, bladder and kidneys. They are parasitic, bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Urinary tract infections that involve only the urethra and bladder are called **lower urinary tract infections** and infections that also involve the kidney are called **upper urinary tract infections**. Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection Burning when urinating blood in the urine Frequent urination (going to the bathroom quickly) Strong smelling urine Pelvic pain in women Anal pain in men Symptoms of upper urinary tract infection Pain in the back and sides Shivering fever Nausea and vomiting Causes of urinary tract infection Age: Older people are more prone to urinary tract infections. kidney stones Urethral obstruction due to prostate enlargement in men Long-term use of the catheter Uncontrolled diabetes pregnancy In women, other causes also increase the possibility of urinary tract infection. A shorter urethra in women can increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections in women. Sexual intercourse: during sexual intercourse, the pressure on the urinary tract causes the bacteria around the vagina to be transferred to the urethra and cause a urinary infection. For this reason, it is strongly recommended for women to wash themselves and urinate after intercourse. Also, the shortness of the urethra in women increases the possibility of urinary tract infection after intercourse. Urinating after intercourse can reduce the possibility of getting a urinary infection in women. Use of spermicides The use of some spermicide gels may increase the risk of urinary tract infection in women. Using a condom increases skin friction and irritation and increases the risk of urinary tract infections. In these cases, use lubricant to lubricate the condom to prevent friction with the skin. Estrogen level decrease: Estrogen level decrease causes the change of normal vaginal bacteria and increases the risk of urinary infection in postmenopausal women. Ways to prevent urinary tract infections in women Consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day Avoid holding urine for a long time and not emptying it. Do not use health products and perfumed gels and creams. Do not use vaginal douche. Do not use spermicide gels. Use cotton underwear. Avoid wearing tight clothing. ### When to see a doctor Burning sensation when urinating Pain when urinating Tea-colored or bloody urine Smelling bad urine Usually, these symptoms are treated by prescribing antibiotics if your symptoms continue to prescribe antibiotics or if you experience the following symptoms Shivering fever Nausea and vomiting Be sure to visit your doctor again for further examination, because the infection may have reached the kidneys and you have an upper urinary tract infection. Consultation with Dr. Shiva Madani Hosseini Send your question to Dr. Shiva Madani Hosseini, gynecological cosmetic surgeon, gynecology and obstetrics and infertility surgeon.