Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys.  A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, multiply, and cause infection. Common types include cystitis (bladder infection) and urethritis (urethra infection). Pyelonephritis is a more severe infection that affects the kidneys.  Symptoms of UTI are burning with urination, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, pelvic pain, fever.  Women are more prone to UTIs due to a shorter urethra.  Other risk factors include underlying anatomic abnormality, increased risk after sexual intercourse, menopause (decreased estrogen levels can alter urinary tract flora), immunocompromising conditions, neurogenic bladder (causing difficulty with passage of urine).  Some of the prevention strategies include staying well hydrated (to help flush out the bacteria), urinating after intercourse, wiping front to back (reduces the risk of bacteria from the anal area entering the urethra), avoiding irritating products (douches, powders, and perfumes in the genital area).  Diagnosing a UTI is important once you recognize the symptoms by a urinalysis and culture.  Depending on the results your provider may treat you with antibiotics.  For women who suffer from recurrent UTIs some of the preventative strategies include taking probiotics, Vitamin C and E, over the counter D-Mannose (destabilizes the bacteria from adhering to urinary tract walls).