Urinary Tract Infections Quiz

About 80 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the bowel being spread to the urinary tract.

Pregnant women have no greater risk for urinary tract infections than other women. However, when pregnant women do have the infection, it is more likely to spread to the kidneys. Such infections can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of premature delivery. If you're pregnant and think you have a urinary tract infection, see your health care professional right away.

Frequent, urgent needs to urinate, pain and a burning sensation when urinating and soreness in the abdomen, lower back or sides are all symptoms of a urinary tract infection. If your symptoms also include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and back pain, you may have a kidney infection. Left untreated, a kidney infection can lead to serious illness. See your health care professional if you are having any of these symptoms.

Antibiotics destroy the bacteria causing the infection. For them to be effective, you must take all of the medication your health care professional prescribes, even if your symptoms disappear in a day or two. Otherwise, your symptoms may return, or you have another urinary tract infection in a short time.