Key Terms
Flow of urine
Glomerulus (nephron) -> kidney -> ureter -> urinary bladder -> urethra -> urinary meatus (external opening).
Kidneys
Sterile. Male urogenital microbiota: found in the distal urethra; primarily skin-associated bacteria.
Bladder and urethra
Most common sites of infection in the urinary tract.
Testes
Sperm production. Epididymis: collects sperm from testes; site of sperm maturation.
Semen
Mixture of fluid and sperm released through urethra during ejaculation.
Cervix
Lower part of uterus; common infection site; especially susceptible to viruses that may cause cervical cancer. Ovaries:
Most common sites of infection in females
Vulva, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes.
Urethritis
Inflammation of the urethra.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the bladder; symptoms similar to urethritis.
Ureteritis
Rare infection of the ureter; can co-occur with cystitis.
Pyelonephritis
Infection of one or both kidneys; can develop from ascending lower UTI or via bloodstream.
Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomeruli.
Epididymitis
Inflammation of the epididymis; pain in scrotum, testicles, groin; swelling, redness, warmth. Orchitis: inflammation of
Vaginitis
Inflammation of the vagina (general term for any vaginal inflammation). Bacterial vaginosis (BV): imbalance in normal va
Fecal contamination
Most common in females due to proximity of anus to urethra. E.