The urinary tract―made up of the kidneys, the bladder, and the tubes leading to and from these organs (the ureters and the urethra)―produces urine and eliminates it from the body.
Urinary tract health refers to how well the system works at removing wastes and producing and controlling urine, as well as any disorders or problems that might occur within the tract. These problems can affect the urinary tract as a whole, or just certain parts of the tract, such as the bladder. There are many disorders and problems that can affect urinary tract health.
NICHD is one of several NIH Institutes that work to advance understanding of urinary tract health in women, men, children, and those with disabilities. Although the Institute conducts and supports research on a broad range of topics, the condition information in this section focuses on two of the more common urinary tract health problems faced by women:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Leakage of urine—also called Urinary Incontinence (UI)
For information on a range of urinary tract health issues that affect women, men, and children, visit the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
General Information
Urinary tract health refers to how well the system works at removing wastes and producing and controlling urine, as well as any disorders or problems that might occur within the tract.
UTIs are common infections, usually caused by bacteria, in the bladder or urethra. They are more common in women than in men.
UI is the loss of bladder control, or being unable to control urination.
A UTI develops when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause infection. UI is caused by problems with the muscles and nerves that hold or release urine.
UTI symptoms include pain while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, and milky or foul-smelling urine. UI symptoms include uncontrollable leaking of urine.
For UTIs, a provider will test the urine for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. For UI, a bladder diary or bladder stress test may be needed.
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for UTIs. UIs may be treated in a variety of ways, including by bladder training, medications, and more.
Research
NICHD conducts and supports research on urinary tract health and on many disorders associated with it.
Find a Study
NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to urinary tract health.
More Information
Find answers to other common questions about urinary tract health, such as how to prevent UTIs and ways to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about urinary tract health.
BACK TO TOP