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What is urinary tract infection?A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, such as E.coli, that live in the colon (especially the rectum).Urinary tract infections have different names depending on what part of the tract is infected. Names given to urinary tract infections include cystitis, which is infection of the bladder, and urethritis, which affects the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside). Infection of the kidneys leads to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis. Adult women are most commonly affected, as their urethra is shorter than men and opens nearer to the anus. This means it is easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system and cause an infection. About 40% of women get at least one attack of cystitis in their lifetime. It is more common in sexually active women, during pregnancy, after surgery and menopause. How do I know if I have urinary tract infection? You may feel pressure in the lower pelvis or lower back ache. There may be stinging, painful, or frequent urination along with an urgent need to urinate often with little or no urine being passed. Often there is a need to urinate at night and the urine may also become cloudy or smell unpleasant. Blood in the urine and fever can also occur along with nausea, vomiting, and chills, indicating a severe infection. Why do some women have recurring infections? Your body has defenses to prevent infections. However, it is possible there may be a slight alteration in the ability of the body to resist bacteria getting into the bladder and causing infection. Bladder or kidney problems may increase the susceptibility to infections. Having sex increases the chance of cystitis in some women. The vagina, bladder, and urethra are under the influence of the hormone oestrogen. After menopause the levels of oestrogen in the body decrease and the tissues become thinner, weaker, and dryer, increasing the risk of recurrent cystitis. Infections are also more common during pregnancy because of changes in the urinary tract. In many causes there is no apparent cause. Am I at higher risk of urnary tract infection after surgery? A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into your urinary tract during or after surgery increases your risk of having UTI. Urinary retention is also common after surgery and can increase the likelihood of infection. Additional factors like old age, being female, and type of surgical procedure can also increase the chances of infection. Diabetes increases the risk, as do surgeries that are done on or near part of the urinary tract. Immobilization after surgery will also increase the risk.