Final answer:
When bacteria invade and multiply in the urinary tract, this leads to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Symptoms can include pain during urination, frequent urination, and potentially fever and back pain in the case of kidney infections. The usual treatment for UTIs involves antibiotics, and good hygiene can help prevent them.
Step-by-step explanation:
When bacteria invade and multiply in the urinary tract, the result can be a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can manifest as inflammations of different parts of the urinary system: urethritis, affecting the urethra; cystitis, concerning the bladder; and pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli which originate from the lower gastrointestinal tract and are introduced into the urinary tract.
The most common symptoms of UTIs include pain during urination, increased frequency of urination, a sense of urgency, and sometimes even visible blood in the urine. In cases of kidney infections, symptoms may escalate to include back pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting. The treatment for UTIs generally involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection.
Good hygiene practices are essential to reduce the risk of UTIs, especially since anatomical differences in women make them more susceptible to these infections. Women experience a higher incidence of UTIs due to their shorter urethra, which is closer to the anus, while men may have UTIs associated with other conditions such as an enlarged prostate.