The bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys comprise the urinary tract, and while any part of this can fall prey to a urinary tract infection, the bladder and urethra are most commonly affected. There are a multitude of causes for these infections, and knowing what they are might help a person prevent them from occurring.
Being a Woman
As per FamilyDoctor.org, women are more likely to experience urinary tract infections more often than men because their urethra is shorter, meaning the bacteria has a shorter distance to travel. MayoClinic.com adds that these infections are extremely common in women, with many women experiencing more than one.
Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli, or E. coli., is a bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, and is one that is typically responsible for the bladder infection, cystitis. This infection commonly occurs in women; they are more prone to it because of their anatomy, as MayoClinic.com explains.
Infection of the Urethra
An infection of the urethra can result in a urinary tract infection in women, and occurs when bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract spreads to the urethra from the anus. Other possible causes include sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea because the urethra is so close to the vagina and these diseases are bacteria-filled.
Improper Cleansing
Healthcommunities.com points out that young girls are at risk for developing a urinary tract infection from cleansing themselves in an improper manner after using the toilet. E.coli is prevalent in feces, therefore when wiping from back to front, bacteria is essentially carried from the anus to the vagina where it can then enter the bladder.
Using a Catheter for Urination
Both Healthcommunities.com and MayoClinic.com agree that people requiring the use of a catheter for urination face a greater risk for urinary tract infections. This includes those who are incontinent and surgical patients. A catheter is a small tube doctors place inside the bladder to automatically empty urine. This tube is a breeding ground for bacteria. When bacteria builds up in this tube, it travels into the bladder, causing a urinary tract infection.
