Urinary tract infections

Both women and men suffer from bladder infections. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, penis, and urethra all play a part in filtering and expelling waste material (urine) from the body. Cystitis (in infection of the bladder), urethritis (an infection of the urethra), and acute pyelonephritis (a kidney infection) are more common in women. But all of these conditions can also occur in men and may be a sign of serious underlying conditions such as problems with the prostate gland. Urethritis in the male is most often contracted as a result of sexual contact. While bladder infections are relatively common in women, in men they may signal a more serious problem, such as prostatitis.

Bladder infections are characterized by an urgent desire to empty the bladder. Urination is typically frequent and painful; even after the bladder has been emptied, there may be a desire to urinate again. The urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor, and may appear cloudy. Children sufffering from bladder infections often complain of lower abdominal pain and a painful burning sensation while urinating. There may be blood in the urine. While cystitis itself is usually more of a annoyance than a serious health problem, it can lead to kidney infection if left untreated.