Healthy Lifestyle Radio Storytime

Urinary tract infections are caused by germs, bacteria usually enter the urethra and then the bladder. This can lead to infection, most often in the bladder itself, which can spread to the kidneys.

Most often, the body can get rid of these bacteria. However, certain conditions increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Women tend to collapse them more often because their urethra is shorter and is closer to the anus than in men. Because of this, women are more likely to get an infection after sexual activity or using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also increases the risk of urinary tract infection.

The following factors also increase the chances of developing a UTI:

* Diabetes
* Advanced age (especially people in nursing homes)
* Problems emptying the bladder (urinary retention) due to neurological disorders or brain
* A tube called a urinary catheter inserted into the urinary tract
* Bowel incontinence
* Enlarged prostate, urethra, or anything close to block the flow of urine
* Calculations kidney
* Staying still (still) for a period of time (for example, while recovering from a hip fracture)
* Pregnancy