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UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.
Most of the time, cystitis happens when there's an infection caused by bacteria. This is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Having a bladder infection can be painful and annoying.
Learn the symptoms that may occur if there's an infection in the urinary tract. Also find out what can cause a UTI and how the infection is treated.
Bacteria, yeast or parasites can indicate an infection. Casts — tube-shaped proteins — can be a result of kidney disorders. Crystals that form from chemicals in urine might be a sign of kidney stones.
Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney infections. Bacteria from an infection in another part of the body also can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys.
These happen when bacteria get into the tube through which urine leaves the body, called the urethra. Then the bacteria multiply in the bladder. UTIs can cause bleeding that makes urine look red, pink or brown.
Bacterial infections cause some but not all cases of prostatitis. The prostate gland, about the size of a walnut, is located just below the bladder in men. It surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (urethra).
However, some diseases and conditions allow proteins to pass through the filters of your kidneys, causing protein in urine. Conditions that can cause a temporary rise in the levels of protein in urine, but don't necessarily indicate kidney damage, include:
Bacteria can enter any part of the system, causing an infection. What are UTI symptoms? A UTI may cause symptoms but not always. Common symptoms are: A strong urge to urinate. Even after using the toilet, that sensation "to go" may not go away. A burning or discomfort sensation while passing urine. Urinating often, passing small amounts of urine.
Your provider checks the urine for signs of infection, such as bacteria, blood or pus. If bacteria are found, you may also have a test called a urine culture to check what type of bacteria is causing the infection.