Both in males and women, bacteria are found in the area of the urethral opening and frequently colonize urine in the urethra; however, they are washed away after micturition. Women's shorter distances from the bladder make it easier for bacteria to colonize the bladder before being eliminated via micturition. Women's urethral openings are also close to the rectum and vaginal cavity, which are home to significant bacterial populations. Antibiotics are drugs that fight infection by killing microorganisms. Urinary tract infections are normally treated with antibiotics.
