7 Things Every Woman Should Know About UTIs

There’s no question that urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be quite the bummer for people everywhere, especially women. One in five women will have at least one UTI during her life, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Due to this (very) painful truth, it’s important for women to arm themselves with the most up-to-date information about how to treat this problem — and to learn how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

But wait, what is a UTI exactly?

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system, but it typically involves the bladder and urethra, according to the Mayo Clinic. UTIs are usually caused by bad bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplying in the bladder, leading to the infection. Characterized by urgent, frequent, and burning urination, even the most mild UTI can be intensely aggravating.

You definitely want to solve this problem before it worsens and potentially leads to further health complications. Furthermore, you’ll want to take steps to avoid this frustrating issue in the future, especially during those really inconvenient moments (hello, school drop-off!). Take some time now to educate yourself about the latest news regarding UTIs and how to prevent them from ruining your day again. And remember: Always talk to your doctor about the best UTI treatment for you.

Scroll below to learn lesser-known facts about UTIs that every woman should be aware of.