UTI stands for urinary tract infection. These can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, but are most common in the urethra and bladder.

UTIs account for almost 10 million office visits and 1.6 million hospitalizations each year, according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

Bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus are the most common causes of UTIs.

The most severe form of UTI is pyelonephritis, or kidney infection. This may occur if a urinary tract infection in the bladder is not treated. Kidney infection may lead to complications such as high blood pressure, kidney damage, premature delivery in pregnancy or a life-threatening blood infection.

Being female significantly increases your risk of developing a UTI. As many as one in five women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives, according to the NKF.

Men are less likely than women to develop UTIs because their urethras are longer, which means that bacteria have to travel a greater distance to reach the bladder. However, if your male spouse or partner develops a UTI, it may be more serious and more difficult to treat.

Sexual activity is commonly associated with UTIs because sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urethra. In addition, the use of some types of contraceptives, such as spermicides and diaphragms, increase the risk of UTIs in women. Sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia and herpes simplex virus, also increase a woman's risk of UTIs.

It is especially important for pregnant women who experience symptoms of a UTI to see their doctor. UTIs are more likely to travel to the kidneys during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and repositioning of the urinary tract.

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, which eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment varies in duration from 3 to 10 days depending on the type of bacteria present and the severity of the infection.

About one out of every five women who gets a UTI will develop another one at some point in their lives, according to the NKF. Some women experience three or more UTIs a year. Repeat infections are more likely in women with diabetes and those who have difficulty urinating.

Taking vitamin C and drinking cranberry juice can help prevent a UTI. Both vitamin C and cranberry juice increase the acidity of urine, which helps prevent growth of bacteria. In addition, cranberry juice makes the bladder wall slippery, so bacteria are unable to adhere to it.

Many women can prevent UTIs by taking several simple steps, including drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently and using proper toilet hygiene.