A urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract and causes an infection. A burning sensation when urinating, urges to urinate, passing small amounts of urine and blood in the urine are symptoms of a UTI. If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious infections of the bladder or kidneys. Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Individuals with certain risk factors are more susceptible to getting urinary tract infections.
Female Anatomy
Women have a higher chance than men do to acquire urinary tract infections because of the length of the urethra, the tube responsible for the transport of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The urethra of a male is 8 inches long, while in a woman, the urethra is only 1.5 inches. The bacteria from the anus is easily transferred to the urethra, travels up the urinary tract and causes infection.
Menopause
Women who are postmenopausal have decreased levels of estrogen. Decreased estrogen causes the walls of the urinary tract to become thin and decreases the urinary tract's ability to fight bacteria. Immune factors that help fight bacteria are also decreased, causing an increase in UTIs.
Sexual Behavior
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, sexual behavior is the No. 1 risk factor for developing a UTI. Nearly 80 percent UTIs in women who are postmenopausal occurred within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. The opening of the urethra is close to the vagina, and bacteria can be transferred from the vagina, the penis, fingers or other devices to the urethral opening and cause infection.
Medical Conditions
Individuals with diabetes, kidney problems, bladder problems, sickle-cell anemia, HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing urinary tract conditions.
Male Risk Factors
Men over the age of 50 who have prostate problems are more susceptible to UTIs. An enlarged prostate can obstruct the urinary tract, which increases the risk of infection. UTIs in men can often cause more serious problems than UTIs in women. Men who develop UTIs often should be checked for an enlarged prostate.
Hospital Acquired Infections
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that UTIs account for 40 percent of infections that develop in patients who are in the hospital. Most UTIs are caused from urinary catheters, which are at higher risk for growing bacteria. Individuals who have urinary tract procedures, elderly men and individuals with severe medical conditions are also at higher risk for developing a UTI while in the hospital.
