UTI risk factors: who is more likely to get a bladder infection

What a UTI is

The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder and a urethra. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body (MedlinePlus). A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is the most common type of UTI. It is most often caused by bacteria that enter the bladder and multiply. UTIs can also occur in the urethra and the kidneys, and an untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys (NIDDK).

Who is more likely to get a UTI

People of any age or sex can get UTIs, but about four times as many women get them as men (MedlinePlus). About half of all women will have a bladder infection in their lifetime, and about a quarter of those women will have repeat infections (NIDDK).

NIDDK says you are more likely to develop a bladder infection if you (NIDDK):

• are sexually active or have gone through menopause
• use certain types of birth control, such as a diaphragm or spermicide
• had a UTI in the past
• have difficulty emptying your bladder completely
• use, or have recently used, a urinary catheter
• have a urinary tract blockage, such as a kidney stone or enlarged prostate
• have an abnormality in the urinary tract, such as vesicoureteral reflux
• have diabetes or problems with your immune system

MedlinePlus also names diabetes, needing a tube to drain your bladder, and spinal cord injury as reasons for higher risk (MedlinePlus). See also kidney stones risk factors and type 2 diabetes risk factors.

UTI risk factors in women

Females are more likely to get bladder infections because of their anatomy. The urethra is short and close to the anus, a source of bacteria, so bacteria may more easily enter the urinary tract (NIDDK). Sex, menopause and some forms of birth control are on the NIDDK list above. For repeat infections, NIDDK says to talk with your health care professional about switching birth control, since diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or spermicide may increase the chance of infection. If you are in perimenopause or menopause and have repeat infections, your health care professional may prescribe low-dose vaginal estrogen (NIDDK).

UTI risk factors in men

Men under age 50 rarely get bladder infections (NIDDK). A blockage such as an enlarged prostate, a catheter, trouble emptying the bladder, diabetes and immune problems all raise the chance (NIDDK). Men may need antibiotics longer than women, because bacteria can move into the prostate and be harder to clear (NIDDK). Trouble emptying the bladder is one of the urinary symptoms the prostate symptom score asks about.

UTIs in pregnancy

Bladder infections during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys. If you are pregnant, your health care professional may test your urine for bacteria, so an infection can be found and treated before it leads to problems (NIDDK). The urine bacteria screening check covers what the US Preventive Services Task Force says about this test in pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include (NIDDK):

• a burning feeling when you urinate
• frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when little urine comes out
• pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine

MedlinePlus adds fever, tiredness or shakiness, and pain in your back or side below the ribs (MedlinePlus). Contact a health care professional if you have symptoms of a bladder infection. A urine test can show whether you have a UTI, and treatment is with antibiotics (NIDDK) (MedlinePlus). Blood in the urine has other causes too, including bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

Steps that may lower the chance

NIDDK lists these habits to help keep your urinary tract healthy (NIDDK):

• drink enough liquids; water is best
• wipe front to back
• use the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate
• take the time to fully empty your bladder
• consider cotton underwear and loose clothes that do not trap moisture

If you cannot drink a lot of liquids because of another health problem, such as kidney failure or heart disease, ask your health care professional how much is right for you (NIDDK).

Common questions

Does cranberry juice prevent UTIs?

Cranberry juice, extract or pills do not treat a bladder infection you already have. Some research says cranberry products may help prevent bladder infections, but NIDDK says there is not enough evidence to be sure (NIDDK).

Can a UTI go away without antibiotics?

For a bladder infection caused by bacteria, a health care professional will likely prescribe antibiotics. Finish the whole course as prescribed, even if symptoms go away, because stopping early can help bacteria become resistant (NIDDK).

Can a UTI damage the kidneys?

Most bladder infections that are found early and treated properly do not lead to problems. Without treatment, an infection can spread to the kidneys, and kidney infections can cause serious problems such as permanent kidney damage (NIDDK). See kidney disease risk factors.