A bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, the organ that stores urine until it can be excreted from the body. They are very common, and in most cases do not cause significant damage or harm. However, in certain situations, bladder infections can be painful and lead to serious complications, such as kidney infections or sepsis. Women are more likely than men to have bladder infections due to their anatomy; females have shorter urethras, so the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel, resulting in a higher risk of a bladder infection. It is estimated that every year anywhere between 20 and 50 million people in the United States have a bladder infection. Symptoms of a bladder infection can include pain when urinating, frequent urination, urine with a strong, foul odor, and blood in the urine. Bladder infections are typically treated with antibiotics and should clear up within a few days or weeks when taking the medication as prescribed. There are many different types of bacteria that can cause a bladder infection, but one of the most common types of bacteria is Group A Streptococcus (GAS).