A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections have different names, depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Urinary tract infections are caused by germs, usually bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. This can lead to infection, most commonly in the bladder itself, which can spread to the kidneys.
Most of the time, your body can get rid of these bacteria. However, certain conditions increase the risk of having UTIs.
Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus than in men. Because of this, women are more likely to get an infection after sexual activity or when using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also increases the risk of a UTI.
The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI:
Diabetes
Advanced age (especially people in nursing homes)
Problems emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention)
A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into your urinary tract
Bowel incontinence
Enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra, or anything that blocks the flow of urine
Kidney stones
Staying still (immobile) for a long period of time (for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture)
Pregnancy
Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Urinary tract infections are caused by germs, usually bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. This can lead to infection, most commonly in the bladder itself, which can spread to the kidneys.
Most of the time, your body can get rid of these bacteria. However, certain conditions increase the risk of having UTIs.
Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus than in men. Because of this, women are more likely to get an infection after sexual activity or when using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also increases the risk of a UTI.
The following also increase your chances of developing a UTI:
Diabetes
Advanced age (especially people in nursing homes)
Problems emptying your bladder completely (urinary retention)
A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into your urinary tract
Bowel incontinence
Enlarged prostate, narrowed urethra, or anything that blocks the flow of urine
Kidney stones
Staying still (immobile) for a long period of time (for example, while you are recovering from a hip fracture)
Pregnancy
Surgery or other procedure involving the urinary tract
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