A urinary tract infection begins in your urinary system and research has shown that any part of the urinary system can become infected; however, most infections occur in the lower urinary tract, which is known as the bladder. It has been found that women, more than men, have a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection that is focused on the bladder can be quite painful. It is important to get treatment for a urinary infection because if left unchecked, can spread into the kidneys and cause further infection.