urinary tract infection: Do you have pain or burning when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Antibiotics treat UTIs. Your healthcare professional can determine if you have a UTI and what antibiotic you need. What is urinary tract infection (UTI) UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis). Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is another type of UTI. They’re less common, but more serious than bladder infections. Risk Factors Some people are at higher risk of getting a UTI. UTIs are more common in females because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This make...