What Are the Causes of Increased Urinary Tract Infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when foreign bacteria enters the urinary system. Although anyone can get a urinary tract infection, women are more prone than men due to their anatomical differences.

Change in sexual habits

• A change in sexual habits---whether it be a change in partners or a change in the frequency that you have sex---can lead to an increased risk of a UTI. Always urinate immediately after having intercourse to help flush bacteria out of your urethra and bladder.

The way you wipe

• Another common way to cause a UTI is by wiping the wrong way. Always wipe from front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause fecal matter to work its way into the urethra.

Catheters

• People who suffer from medical conditions which require a catheter are at an increased risk of getting a UTI. The catheter inserted into their urethra could have foreign bacteria on it from frequent handling by the patient or a nurse.

Spermicide

• The chemicals in spermicidal condoms can irritate a woman's urethra increasing the risk for a UTI. If a woman is prone to UTIs, she is better off using a condom without spermicide.

Urinary retention

• The act of urinating itself clears bacteria out of the bladder. If a person has urinary retention due to constipation or a medical condition, it will increase the risk of bacteria remaining in the urinary system.