Who Is at Risk of UTI?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some risk factors can be modified while others cannot be changed. However, certain lifestyle modifications and measures help lower the risk for UTI.

Being female

Urinary tract infections are common among females compared to males. The distance between the urethral opening and the bladder is shorter in women than in men. Therefore, their urethra increases the ability of bacteria to enter the bladder. The anus and the urethra are also situated within close proximity in females than males. It also raises the risk of UTI among women.

Using certain kinds of contraceptive methods

Spermicidal jelly can eliminate commensal organisms from the vagina. It predisposes to the overgrowth of certain pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli. Women who use contraceptive diaphragms also have a higher risk for UTI.

Being sexually active

Sexual intercourse helps pathogenic bacteria to enter the lower urinary tract. Therefore, sexually active females are more prone to have UTIs than women, who are not sexually active.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the risk of upper urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis). During the pregnancy period, progesterone levels are higher. Progesterone can reduce the muscle tone in the bladder and the ureters. Therefore, it becomes somewhat difficult to empty the bladder and a certain amount of urine always tends to remain in the bladder. It can cause some urine to flow back along the ureters (reflux). Ureters also become dilated with the effect of progesterone during pregnancy. It slows the natural urine flow further. The enlarged uterus also compresses and partially obstructs the ureters. Pregnancy may lead to reduced acidity and increased glucose in the urine, which also induce the bacterial growth.

Menopause

Menopause can increase the risk for UTI because, it lowers the level of oestrogen hormone in the blood. Usually, this female hormone helps promote the production of antimicrobial proteins in the bladder. Oestrogen also strengthens the lining of the urethra and bladder by closing the spaces between the cells. Therefore, oestrogen can make it harder for pathogenic bacteria to enter the deeper layers of the lower urinary tract. It also helps avoid shedding of too many cells from the lining of the bladder.

Urinary tract obstructions

Normal urine flow helps wash out the pathogenic bacteria from the urinary tract. However, enlarged prostate gland in men and kidney stones can obstruct the natural urine flow and raise the risk for UTI.

Urinary tract abnormalities

Urinary tract can be abnormal in certain babies. Some abnormalities like vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and the urinary tract obstructions disturb the normal urine flow, hence increase the risk for urinary tract infections.

Immune suppression

Diabetes, AIDS, chemotherapy, some medications, and certain conditions can suppress the immune system. Therefore, the natural ability to fight against the pathogenic microorganisms is impaired in these situations. Consequently, they increase the incidences of UTI.

Urinary catheter