UTI 101

Everything you didn't learn at your annual exam — the basics every patient should know about urinary tract infections.

About this series

What you'll learn

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections worldwide, yet most people never get a clear, plain-language explanation of what's actually happening in their body or how UTIs are diagnosed and treated.

This series is your foundation. We start with what a UTI is and how to recognize the symptoms, walk through how clinicians confirm a diagnosis, explain the antibiotic and non-antibiotic options used to treat them, and cover the risk factors behind recurrent and complicated infections.

If you're newly experiencing UTI symptoms, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand the basics before your next appointment, start here.

Read the series

Recommended reading order

What Is a UTI? Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

A clinician-reviewed primer on urinary tract infections — what they are, who gets them, and how doctors confirm them.

UTI 101

UTI Symptoms: What to Look For and When to See a Doctor

The classic signs of cystitis, the warning signs of a kidney infection, and conditions that can mimic a UTI.

UTI 101

How Are UTIs Diagnosed? Urinalysis, Culture, PCR, and NGS

The current standard of care, where it falls short, and the new molecular tests changing UTI diagnosis.

Diagnosing UTIs

How Are UTIs Treated? Antibiotics, Antifungals, and More

A practical guide to UTI treatment, side effects, and non-antibiotic strategies that may help.

Treating UTIs

What Is a Recurrent UTI?

Recurrent UTI is two or more episodes in six months or three or more in a year — here's what to do about it.

Diagnosing UTIs

Why Did My Urine Culture Come Back Negative?

Standard culture misses up to 1 in 3 UTIs. Here's why — and what you can do about it.

Diagnosing UTIs

Why Do UTIs Get Worse After Menopause?

Estrogen decline changes the urinary and vaginal tract in ways that increase UTI risk — and what to do about it.

Ask an Expert

Do Men Get UTIs?

Yes — and every UTI in a man is clinically classified as complicated. Risk factors, symptoms, and care.

UTI 101

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