A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the organs in your urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms depend on the part of the urinary tract affected.

A UTI is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope.

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and, in rare cases, by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans.

Your urinary tract is made up of your:

• kidneys
• ureters
• bladder
• urethra

Lower tract UTIs affect the urethra and bladder. Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include:

• burning with urination
• increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
• increased urgency of urination
• bloody urine
• cloudy urine
• urine that looks like cola or tea
• urine that has a strong odour
• pelvic pain in women
• rectal pain in men

Upper tract UTIs affect the kidneys. These can be potentially life threatening if bacteria move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition, called urosepsis, can cause dangerously low blood pressure, shock, and death.

Symptoms of an upper tract UTI include:

• pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
• chills
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

What are sexually transmitted diseases (STI/ STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Some STDs can be passed from a pregnant person to the baby, either during pregnancy or when giving birth. Other ways that STDs may be spread include during breastfeeding, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.

There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhoea
• HIV
• HPV
• Pubic lice
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If an STD is passed to a baby, it can cause serious health problems.

Symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores or warts on the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination (peeing)
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odour
• Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Fever