Understanding the urinary tract
There are two kidneys, one on each side of the abdomen. They make urine which drains down the ureters into the bladder. Urine is stored in the bladder and is passed out through the urethra from time to time when we go to the toilet.
What is a urine infection and what causes it?
Most urine infections are caused by bacteria (germs) that come from your own bowel. They cause no harm in your bowel, but can cause infection if they get into other parts of your body. Some bacteria lie around your anus (back passage) after you pass a stool (faeces). These bacteria sometimes travel to your urethra and into your bladder. Some bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly to cause infection.
The infection is often just in the bladder ('cystitis'). Sometimes it travels up to also affect one or both kidneys. A urine infection is often called a 'urinary tract infection' (UTI) by doctors.
How common are urine infections?
Urine infections are rare in men aged under 50. They become more common in older men. About 3 in 100 men in their 60s, and about 1 in 10 men in their 80s, will have a urine infection. (Urine infection is much more common in women. This is because, compared to men, their urethra is shorter and opens nearer the anus.)
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