UTI Risk Factors: Sexual Intercourse
Germs in the vagina can be pushed into the urethra during sexual intercourse, which may increase the likelihood of a
UTI.
UTI Risk Factors: Certain Habits
Women who wipe from back to front after a bowel movement (BM) are at an increased risk of a UTI because germs can get into the urethra, which has its opening in front of the vagina. Waiting too long to pass urine can also increase a person's risk of developing a UTI.
UTI Risk Factors: Catheters
Urinary tract infections may also be caused by catheters, which are tubes that are placed in the urethra and bladder. Catheters are necessary for people who are unconscious, critically ill, and those with loss of bladder control. Bacteria on the catheter can infect the bladder. Therefore, hospital staffs take special care to keep the catheter clean and remove it as soon as possible.
UTI Risk Factors: Certain Medical Conditions
People with
diabetes have a higher risk of a UTI due to changes in the immune system. Other disorders that suppress the immune system will also increase the risk of a urinary infection.
UTI Risk Factors: Certain Types of Birth Control
According to several studies, women who use a diaphragm are more likely to develop a UTI than women who use other forms of birth control. In recent studies, researchers found that women whose partners use a condom with spermicidal foam also tend to have growth of E. coli bacteria in the vagina, which may increase the risk of a UTI.
UTI Risk Factors: Menopause
Another UTI risk factor is loss of estrogen and changes in the vagina after
menopause.
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