Causes of UTI: Other Organisms
Microorganisms called
chlamydia and mycoplasma may also cause a
UTI in both men and women, but these infections tend to remain limited to the urethra and reproductive system. Unlike
E. coli, chlamydia and mycoplasma may be sexually transmitted, and infections require treatment of both partners.
Causes of UTI: Knowing the Risk Factors
While doctors know that the cause of a UTI involves organisms such as bacteria, doctors have a harder time explaining why one person will get a UTI and another person will not. However,
urinary tract infection research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop a UTI. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.
UTI risk factors include:
- Gender (women are more likely to have urinary tract infections than men are)
- Urinary tract problems (such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stones)
- Sexual intercourse
- Certain habits (such as waiting too long to pass urine)
- Urinary catheter
- Age (elderly people are more likely to develop a UTI)
- Medical conditions (such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and vesicoureteral reflux)
- Immunosuppressant medications
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- Diaphragms or spermicidal foam
- Menopause
- Skin allergies to soaps and cleansers used in the vaginal area.
Causes of UTI: Final Thoughts
People who think that they may be at risk for UTIs or who have already had UTIs should discuss this concern with their doctor. Doctors may suggest ways to reduce the risk.
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