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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Some people are more likely than are others to develop bladder infections or recurrent urinary tract infections. Women are one such group. A key reason is physical anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men have, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.

Women at greatest risk of UTIs include those who:

  • Are sexually active. Sexual intercourse can result in bacteria being pushed into the urethra.
  • Use certain types of birth control. Women who use diaphragms are at increased risk of a UTI. Diaphragms that contain spermicidal agents further increase your risk.
  • Are pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of a bladder infection.

Other risk factors in both men and women include:

  • Interference with the flow of urine. This can occur in conditions such as a stone in the bladder or, in men, an enlarged prostate.
  • Changes in the immune system. This can occur with conditions such as diabetes, HIV infection and cancer treatment. A lowered immune system increases the risk of bacterial and, in some cases, viral bladder infections.
  • Prolonged use of bladder catheters. These tubes may be needed in people with chronic illnesses or in older adults. Prolonged use can result in increased vulnerability to bacterial infections as well as bladder tissue damage.
Complications Causes
References
  1. Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1524/147.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50025-X--cesec2_754. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  2. Infectious disease. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1481/590.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50054-3--cesec94_3599. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  3. Hooton TM. Acute cystitis in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  4. Interstitial cystitis / Painful bladder syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  5. French L, et al. Urinary problems in women. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:53.
  6. Hooton TM, et al. Recurrent urinary tract infection in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  7. Ksycki MF, et al. Nosocomial urinary tract infection. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2009;89:475.
  8. Aliotta PJ, et al. Urinary tract infections. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-17/935347317/2088/688.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00030-7--s0250_14032. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  9. Natural history of bacteriuria and pyelonephritis. In: Brenner BM, et al. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec36&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec37&uniq=177168529&isbn=978-1-4160-3105-5&sid=935319858. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  10. Hemorrhagic cystitis. Chemocare.com. http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hemorrhagic_cystitis.asp. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  11. Shortliffe LMD. Infection and inflammation of the pediatric genitourinary tract. In: Wein AJ. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-16/935328560/1445/115.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50114-X--cesec78_6964. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  12. Urinary tract infections. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp050.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  13. Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Jan. 10, 2010.
DS00285 March 6, 2010

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