Female urinary tract infection.

Changing concepts regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment of urinary tract infection have reduced patient expenditures. An appreciation of the natural history and associated significance of these infections at all ages in both male and female patients is essential for proper evaluation and treatment. Careful classification of the infection with attention to historical aspects allows the clinician to plan a treatment regimen tailored to each patient. When and how these patients are evaluated depend on the statistical likelihood of associated pathology.