While any part of a person's urinary system can become infected when a urinary tract infection occurs, these infections typically occur in the bladder and urethra, both of which are part of the lower urinary tract. Although men are not exempt from this condition, they most frequently affect women for a variety of reasons. Knowing what these reasons are may help prevent you the pain and suffering that accompanies them.
Your Anatomy
The anatomies of men and women vary; one of these differences is actually a cause of urinary tract infections in women. The urethra, the tube responsible for transporting urine from the bladder to the opening of the vagina, is shorter in women than it is in men. This leaves a shorter distance for bacteria to travel when attempting to reach the bladder.
The Way You Wipe
How you wipe when after using the bathroom plays a big role in bacteria reaching your bladder. After having a bowel movement, it is imperative to wipe from front to back rather than back to front. Your bowel contains bacteria that can easily find its way to the urethra and bladder due to the urethra being so close to the rectum; if you wipe in the wrong direction, you are only helping in its transport.
Sexual Intercourse
Sexual intercourse, according to the Mayo Clinic, irritates the urethra, making it easier for germs to travel more easily through the urethra and into the bladder. The more sexually active you are, the greater your risk for developing not just one urinary tract infection, but many.
The Birth Control You Use
Birth control is wise, especially if you are sexually active. However, certain types of birth control can contribute to urinary tract infections as well.
Family Doctor states that using a diaphragm pushes against the urethra, making it difficult to completely empty the bladder of urine; this results in bacteria building and growing. In addition, spermicides inhibits normal vaginal bacteria, allowing bad bacteria to grow and flourish.
Aging and Menopause
As a woman ages and menopause begins, estrogen levels begin to decrease, resulting in a thinning of the vulvar and vaginal tissues that surround and protect the urethra. An unprotected urethra leads to more urinary tract infections.
Aging also causes a prolapsed (drooping) bladder, which makes it more difficult for the bladder to empty completely. Again, this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow and develop.
