Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI, is an infection that occurs in the urinary tract. When bacteria enter the urinary system, they can cause infection in the bladder, ureters, urethra or kidneys. There are several common ways in which bacteria enter the urinary tract. Understanding these causes can help people to make lifestyle changes or seek medical treatment and reduce their chances of developing recurrent infections.

Sexual Intercourse

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, women can develop urinary tract infections after sexual intercourse. This is because the motions of intercourse can push bacteria into the urinary tract. Women can reduce their chances of developing a UTI by urinating immediately after intercourse.

Catheterization

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse indicates that the use of catheters can cause urinary tract infections. When someone is unable to urinate because of a bladder defect or trauma, a tube called a catheter is placed into the bladder so urine can be drained. If there is bacteria on this tube at the time of insertion, the bacteria can travel into the urinary tract and cause an infection.

Pregnancy

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnancy can cause urinary tract infections because of the physical changes that occur during weeks 6 through 24. The uterus is located on top of the bladder, so when the uterus expands to accommodate a growing fetus, its weight can cause incomplete emptying of the bladder. This allows bacteria to multiply and increases the risk of infection.

Prostate Inflammation

According to the Merck Manuals Home Edition, urinary tract infections have been linked to prostatitis (prostate inflammation) in men. When the prostate gland is enlarged, it may be difficult to empty the bladder completely. Urine remains in the bladder and bacteria have the opportunity to multiply. Treatment for prostate inflammation can help reduce the size of the prostate gland and make it easier to empty the bladder completely.

Reduced Fluid Intake

The University of Virginia Health System indicates that urinary tract infections can be treated with increased fluid intake. When fluid intake is reduced, bacteria are not flushed out of the bladder quickly, and they may multiply quickly enough to cause urinary tract infections. Increasing fluid intake will increase the number of times per day urination occurs, flushing bacteria out of the urinary system.

Holding Urine

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services indicates that holding urine for too long can promote the development of urinary tract infections. The longer urine is held, the more time bacteria have to multiply and cause infection. To prevent urinary tract infections, men and women should urinate as soon as they feel the urge rather than waiting.