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Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get a UTI with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting one is greater in people who have many risk factors.

Things that can raise the risk are:

Age and Gender

This problem is more common in women. This is because the female urethra is short. Bacteria sometimes enters the urinary system after a woman passes stool and does not wipe from front to back.

The risk of getting an infection goes up even more after menopause in women and after age 50 in men.

References

  • Bladder infection (urinary tract infection—UTI) in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults.
  • Introduction to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-tract-infections-utis/introduction-to-urinary-tract-infections-utis.
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-uti-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis.
  • Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.