Uncomplicated urinary tract infections, such as acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis, are common infections in otherwise healthy women. Although severe complications are rare, the high prevalence of these infections contributes to significant costs to health care systems. The present review addresses recent publications that concern the epidemiology, pathogenesis, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of uncomplicated urinary tract infections and recurrent urinary tract infections in women.