Causes and Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection

Causes and Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection

An infection that erupts when harmful microorganisms, like bacteria, enter an organ, it may lead to urinary tract infection (UTI) and show some early warning signs. It can occur in any of the organs, like the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. The infection is more common in the lower part of the urinary tract, which comprises the bladder and urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs than men. Sometimes, your body may wash away all the symptoms, but the underlying risk factors may increase the chances of a UTI and start showing some early warning signs. It is essential to visit the doctor as soon as you notice any signs of infection.

Causes of urinary infection
Urinary infections generally attack women in the urethra and bladder. Although the bacteria-causing disease is eliminated from the body, in rare cases, the bacteria double in quantity. This leads to a fully developing infection in the organ.

  • Bladder infection (cystitis) is a result of E-Coli bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract but sometimes, other types of bacteria may also be responsible. Sexual intercourse may cause cystitis, but it may occur in women when the distance between the urethral opening to the bladder is short. The female genitals carry bacteria to the bladder, causing cystitis.
  • Urethra infection (urethritis) occurs when the bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract spreads and passes from anus to urethra. Since the vagina is close to the urethra, diseases like herpes and gonorrhea may also cause urethritis.

Risk factors of urinary tract infection
Risk factors are more common among women than men. Some of the underlying reasons could be:

  • Since the urethra is small, the bacteria reach and infect the bladder faster. The opening of the tubes is close to the rectum, which is the breeding place for bacteria. Therefore, women are more prone to UTI than men.
  • The complete transformation of the urinary tract during pregnancy makes women more susceptible to UTIs and its early warning signs.
  • Sometimes, menopause may cause UTI as the hormonal changes affect the useful bacteria that fight with harmful microorganisms in the urinary tract.
  • Several health issues like diabetes and age-related issues, like Alzheimer’s disease, increase the risk of UTI. Also, those with spine injuries, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, irregular flow of urine are more prone to urinary tract infections.
  • Sexual intercourse transmits bacteria from the genitals into the urethra, which results in severe UTI.

The doctors may prescribe a few antibiotics and home remedies to treat UTIs. So, immediately consult your doctor to find ways and means to prevent the disease before it spreads to the other organs and results in severe consequences.