Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

Before defining it, it helps to know when to be concerned: discomfort when urinating, urgency, or burning that does not improve usually prompts a visit. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects the bladder or the urethra in people without added risk factors.

Common symptoms:

• Burning or pain when urinating
• A frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Common causes: It usually begins when bacteria from the surroundings travel up the urethra toward the bladder.

Which specialist treats it? A general practitioner, a urologist, or a gynecologist can evaluate it; in cases with kidney involvement a nephrologist or an infectious disease specialist gets involved, and an emergency physician if the symptoms are intense. A timely evaluation helps clarify the condition with a professional.