Bladder infections are a very common problem and are caused by bacteria making their way up the urethra to the bladder, allowing bacteria to enter. The resulting bacteria can cause your bladder to become inflamed, which in turn produces symptoms of frequent and painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and cloudy or blood-tinged urine. Other risk factors for a bladder infection include being female, having sex, urinary tract abnormalities, and having a lower resistance to infection. Urine is usually sent off to the lab to be analysed before prescribing antibiotics. Painful urination is a symptom of a urinary tract infection. Typically, bladder infections are treated with antibacterial medication to combat the infection. Preventing bladder infections involves urinating after sex, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene.