Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect about 12% of men and 60% of women during their lifetime. These infections develop when bacteria enter the urinary tract.
The good news is that understanding why they occur is the first step toward breaking the cycle. Let’s dive into the most common reasons behind frequent UTIs — and what you can do to help prevent them.
If you suspect a UTI, see our primary care experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.
UTIs are infections that can affect any part of the urinary system, such as your bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the bladder and urethra. Symptoms may include:
UTIs are common, as healthcare professionals treat 8-10 million of them annually.
If you suffer from frequent UTIs, here are some potential reasons:
If you’re sexually active often, your risk of UTIs may increase. Having a new sexual partner boosts your risk too. However, you don’t have to be sexually active to develop an infection.
Women are much more likely than men to develop UTIs because of their anatomy. When bacteria become trapped in the urinary tract, an infection may occur.
Women or girls who wipe from back to front can carry bacteria from the anus to the vagina, increasing the risk of a UTI. In fact, E. coli bacteria are responsible for more than 90% of bladder infections.
If you use diaphragms or spermicidal agents as birth control methods, your UTI risk is higher. Ask your healthcare provider which type of birth control is the most appropriate for you.
Estrogen decline that happens after menopause in women can alter the urinary tract, boosting their risk of UTIs.
Some people are born with irregularities in their urinary systems, which can lead to problems urinating, urine backup, and more frequent UTIs.
Have you recently had urinary surgery, a urinary tract exam, or a similar procedure requiring the use of medical instruments? If so, your risk of UTI may temporarily increase.
Blockages in your urinary tract caused by an enlarged prostate (men) or kidney stones can cause urine to become trapped in your bladder, increasing the risk of UTIs.
If you require a catheter (flexible tube) because you aren’t able to urinate on your own, your risk of UTIs increases.
Your body’s immune system helps fight infections, but your risk of UTIs and similar concerns is higher if you have a suppressed immune system due to diabetes, other chronic diseases, aging, or other risk factors.
Adopting the following tips can reduce your risk of developing frequent UTIs:
Do you have frequent UTIs and need symptom relief? Contact us today at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie by calling our office or booking an appointment online.
