Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infectious diseases caused by uropathogenic bacteria, characterized clinically by high infection and recurrence rates, with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) being the main causative agent. This bacterium possesses various virulence factors that enable it to adhere, colonize, invade, and cause disease in the bladder. This article reviews the pathogenic mechanisms of UPEC, focusing on its virulence factors, interactions with the host, and persistence in the body, aiming to expand our understanding of the processes involved in the occurrence and recurrence of UTIs.