Dear coco73091,

A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), is caused by bacteria that have spread from the rectum to the urethra — the tube from which women and men urinate. And sometimes the bacteria spreads from the opening of the urethra through the tube to the bladder. UTIs are often caused by unprotected intercourse, which is another good reason to always use condoms.

Symptoms include

• painful or burning urination
• lower abdominal pain or back pain
• a constant urge to urinate (even when there's no urine in your bladder)
• blood and pus in urine
• fever
• leaking urine

Many sexually transmitted infections can have the same symptoms as a UTI, so don't diagnose yourself. See your health care provider, or call 1-800-230-PLAN, to schedule an appointment at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center. Or find us online.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.