A bladder infection--or urinary tract infection as it is also known--begins in the urinary system, which includes the ureters, urethra. kidneys and bladder. As MayoClinic.com explains, women are more likely than men to develop these infections, primarily because of their anatomy. A variety of causes are to blame, and knowing these causes may help prevent these infections.
Catheters
As the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse points out, certain people face greater risk of developing bladder infections than others--patients with catheters fall into this group. Bacteria builds easily in the tube of the catheter, making it easy for the bacteria to make its way into the bladder.
Gender
Women have a shorter urethra--the tube transporting urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This reduces the distance bacteria needs to travel before reaching the bladder and causing infection.
Diabetes
Those with diabetes are at greater risk for bladder infections due to a weak immune system. The body is incapable of fighting the infection once it develops.
Sexual Intercourse
Being sexually active increases a woman's chances of developing a bladder infection. Intercourse irritates the urethra, thus allowing germs to to make their way through the urethra and into the bladder, according to MayoClinic.com.
Blockages
Abnormalities such as kidney stones or a prostate gland that becomes enlarged in men, block the flow of urine, explains the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse. The longer urine remains in the bladder, the greater the opportunity for bacteria to grow and develop in the bladder.
Birth Control
Diaphragms increase the risk of bladder infection, as the spermicide inhibits the good bacteria in the vagina, allowing bad bacteria to develop and resulting in a bladder infection.
Menopause
As Merck explains, estrogen levels decrease after menoupause--this results in a thinning of the vulvar and vaginal tissue surrounding and protecting the urethra; this can result in recurrent bladder infections.
