While normally the bladder cleanses itself of bacteria, if for some reason it can't, the bacteria may cause an infection. If you have these symptoms for more than 24 hours, you should see your doctor. Fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the mid-back may indicate a kidney infection. If you have these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical treatment. Every year, UTIs account for more than 7 million visits to physicians' offices.
Women are eight times more likely to get a UTI than men.
Part of the problem may be that bacteria have a much shorter distance to travel in women. The female urethra, leading from the outside of the body to the bladder, is roughly one and a half inches long. In contrast, the male urethra is roughly eight inches in length. Another contributing factor is the female urethra's location. As it is so close to the vagina and the anus, it is much easier for bacteria to enter the urethra and work its way up into the bladder.