What are the causes of a urinary tract infection?

Bacteria: Bacteria are the cause of urinary tract infections.

Bacteria via urethra: Reach the bladder and multiply which results in a uti. Bacteria can reach bladder during sex, hence advice to urinate after sex. Constipation, bubble bath, synthetic (non cotton) underwear or thongs, bathing rather than taking showers, incomplete badder emptying, urinary retention & infrequent voiding menopause can all predispose to utis.

Variable: Uti's are very common, especially in young sexually active women. Causes inlcude include sexual activity, poor groin hygiene, use of certain medications or antibiotics, lack of adequate water intake, and abnormal urinary anatomy (congenital or acquired such as thru surgery). If one is experiencing frequent uti's an evaluation is recommended to possibly correct the abnormality if one is identified.

Many ways: Not urinating after sex, allowing bacteria which reached bladder during act to multiply causing uti, using bubble-bath and tub baths rather than taking a shower, severe constipation, sub-optimal toilet hygiene- not wiping front to back or holding thighs together with urinating + trapping urine behind labia, witholding urination, thongs and non-cotton underwear, not drinking or urinating enough.

Risk factors: These include indwelling catheters in the urinary tract, instrumentation, anything that could stagnate urine flow (like stones or obstruction), or abnormal flow of urine (reflux), depressed immunity, sexual intercourse (especially in women).

Many: Bacteria multiplying in bladder. Not urinating after sex, allowing bacteria which reached bladder ; multiply. Using bubble-bath and tub baths rather than taking a shower, severe constipation, sub-optimal toilet hygiene- not wiping front to back or holding thighs together with urinating + trapping urine behind labia, witholding urination, thongs and non-cotton underwear.