Urinary Tract Infections or UTIs are bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that affect the urinary tract, i.e., the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Talking about your urine and toilet habits can be embarrassing. Therefore, “prevention is better than cure” is most applicable in such cases. That said, if you think you have a UTI, do not hesitate to talk to a doctor. The major causes and risk factors of urinary tract infections are listed below.

Causes
UTIs can occur in any part of the urinary system but are more common in the lower part of the tract, the bladder, and the urethra. Common microbes that cause urinary tract infection include Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus species, Saprophyticus, Proteus species, Klebsiella species, Enterococcus faecalis, other Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast.

Unchangeable risk factors
Some factors that increase the risk of urinary tract infections are not controllable. They are as follows.

1. Gender
Women are at higher risk for UTIs for a variety of reasons. Since women have a smaller urethra, the bacteria can reach the bladder quickly. Also, the opening of the urethra is closer to the rectum, where UTI-causing bacteria are known to reside. Also, pregnancy-related changes make UTIs more common in women. Menopause is another aspect of a woman’s life that puts her at greater risk. The hormone changes make the urinary system an easier target for bacteria.

2. Comorbidities
A lot of chronic conditions increase the risk of UTIs. Illnesses related to impaired immune disorders like diabetes can weaken the body’s ability to fight pathogens. Age-related issues like Alzheimer’s also seem to be associated with higher UTI risk. Kidney stones and other urinary tract blockages like enlarged prostate and certain forms of cancer are also the results of UTIs. Illnesses that interfere with emptying the bladder make urinary tract infections more common, like spinal cord injuries, enlarged prostate, vesicoureteral reflux, or other abnormalities in the urinary tract or in people who have to use a urinary catheter or those with bowel incontinence.

3. Sexual activity
Sex is one of the most common lifestyle risk factors for urinary tract infections. Intercourse can transport bacteria from the genitals and anus to the urethra and the bladder, giving rise to diseases. And this is more of a problem for women. But men involved in unprotected sexual activity with women with vaginal infections are also at greater risk. Diaphragms and some spermicidal creams may also increase UTI risk.

4. Personal hygiene
Some personal hygiene habits can also make it easier for bacteria, fungi, and viruses to get into the urinary tract – for example, the use of feminine hygiene sprays and powders. When wiping from back to front after urinating or passing stools increases the chances of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. People who hold in urine for a long time also put themselves at higher risk of UTIs.