What Are the Causes of Increased Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when foreign bacteria enters the urinary system. Although anyone can get a urinary tract infection, women are more prone than men due to their anatomical differences.

Change in sexual habits

A change in sexual habits—whether it be a change in partners or a change in the frequency that you have sex—can lead to an increased risk of a UTI. Always urinate immediately after having intercourse to help flush bacteria out of your urethra and bladder.

The way you wipe

Another common way to cause a UTI is by wiping the wrong way. Always wipe from front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause fecal matter to work its way into the urethra.

Catheters

People who suffer from medical conditions which require a catheter are at an increased risk of getting a UTI. The catheter inserted into their urethra could have foreign bacteria on it from frequent handling by the patient or a nurse.

Spermicide

The chemicals in spermicidal condoms can irritate a woman’s urethra increasing the risk for a UTI. If a woman is prone to UTIs, she is better off using a condom without spermicide.

Urinary retention

The act of urinating itself clears bacteria out of the bladder. If a person has urinary retention due to constipation or a medical condition, it will increase the risk of bacteria remaining in the urinary system.