Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop a urinary tract infections (UTI) with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing a UTI. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Sexual Activity
Frequent sexual intercourse increases your risk of UTIs. Having unprotected sex raises the risk still further.
Medical Conditions
The following medical conditions increase your chances of getting UTIs:
- Urinary tract anatomical defects
- Vesicoureteral reflux (urine washes back up the ureter into the kidneys)
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia (body paralysis)
- History of kidney transplant
- Sickle cell anemia
- Menopause
- Nervous system disorders that make it difficult for you to completely empty your bladder
Medical Devices and Procedures
- For females—using a diaphragm for birth control, or having a partner who uses condoms with spermicidal foam
- Having a urinary catheter inserted
- Having surgery on the urinary tract system
Medications
Taking antibiotics for other conditions can increase your risk of getting a UTI.
Age
The rate of UTIs increases with age in both men and women.
Gender
Women have a very high rate of UTIs throughout their lives because the openings to the urethra and rectum are in close proximity. Also, the urethra is shorter in women than in men. The risk of UTIs increases even further after menopause in women and after age 50 in men.
Genetic Factors
Researchers are still trying to understand whether certain genetic factors might make someone more prone to UTIs. It does seem that if a mother has a history of multiple UTIs, then the daughter will be more likely to have UTIs, as well. There may also be some factors related to blood type that increase the risk for UTIs.
References:
American Urological Association Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org.
Griffith’s 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/.
Last reviewed December 2009 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.