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.