UTI is surprisingly common though it occurs more in women than in men. The urine of a person is normally sterile. However, it does get infected with bacteria, which can lead to a urinary tract infection. The infection starts from the urethra, the urinary opening and subsequently moves into the urinary tract.

From here, it reaches the ureters and could also reach the kidneys if left undiagnosed. A severe kidney infection can prove to be dangerous if left untreated. The most common culprit of an UTI is the E-coli bacteria, which is found in the anal region and moves up to the urinary tract due to poor hygiene. Here are some of the causes of an UTI.

Causes Of An Urinary Tract Infection

Poor Hygiene

Hygiene plays a crucial role in the development of an UTI. Wiping back to front can transmit bacteria and germs to the urethra and this leads to the development of an urinary tract infection. Sex with an infected partner can easily transmit the infection to an unknowing partner. The condition gets worse if the man and the woman do not wash themselves after the sexual act.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can temporarily block the urinary tract and also predispose the person to developing infections.

Poor Immunity

People with compromised immunity like sufferers of AIDS and diabetes are more prone to UTI’s due to the lowered immunity and the inability of the body to fight off an infection.

Incomplete Emptying Of Bladder

People with spinal injuries may suffer from bladder problems wherein the urine output is less or the bladder does not empty itself fully. This can lead to pooling or accumulation of the urine and subsequently it can also lead to infection.

Honeymoon Cystitis

This is a condition faced typically by newly married women. Since the symptoms of a UTI emerge immediately after a marriage, it is nick named honeymoon cystitis. The woman readily develops an infection soon after the first sexual encounter. This is again because of poor hygiene and not urinating after sexual intercourse.

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Preventing Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The Use Of Diaphragm And IUD’s

The use of a diaphragm and an intra-uterine device can also lead to a urinary tract infection partly because such devices are left in the body for some time.

Prostate Problems

Men with an enlarged prostate face obstruction of the urethra. This can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and accumulation of urine, which leads to a urinary tract infection.

Children

Young children especially girls are far more susceptible to developing UTI. This is because they have trouble wiping themselves properly and following good hygiene like hand washing.

The Use Of A Catheter

The use of catheters for hospitalized patients can also lead to an increased risk for developing an UTI. This is because the catheter remains inside for prolonged periods and increases the chances of an infection.

Men on an average have a lesser chance of contracting an infection like UTI because their urethra opens out into the outside world in a drier environment. It is nowhere near the anus and is also longer which makes the chance of an infection minimal.