Understanding — and Managing — the Risk Factors of UTIs

Experiencing the burning and frequent urination of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is no fun. You might be surprised to know that many of the risk factors of UTIs are under your control. If you find yourself getting UTIs frequently, talk with a medical provider about what you can do to lower your risk.

What Are UTIs?

A UTI occurs when bacteria (often Escherichia coli, or E. coli) in the genital area enter the urethra and make their way into some portion of the urinary tract.

There are multiple types of UTIs, depending on where in the urinary tract the infection occurs. A bladder infection, for example, is a urinary tract infection that affects the bladder, while a kidney infection is a UTI that travels to the kidneys. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, but kidney infections can be the most serious.

Read More: UTIs vs. Kidney Infections: How to Tell the Difference

UTIs are more common in women, but they can also affect men. If you have a UTI, you may experience a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pressure or cramping
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Persistent urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty

People who have a kidney infection may also experience fever, chills, lower back pain, and nausea or vomiting.

If you think you have a UTI, check in with your medical provider. A UTI can be confirmed by testing a urine sample to detect bacterial growth in the urine.

Read More: What Your Urine Smell, Color and Flow Are Telling You

Why Do I Get UTIs So Often?

Up to 60% of women and 12% of men will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime. Many factors can increase the risk of UTIs, and some of them change over time. Risk factors for urinary tract infections can include:

• Abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate in men
• Age (older adults and very young children are at greater risk)
• Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones
• Changes in the balance of vaginal flora caused by menopause or spermicide
• Frequent antibiotic use
• Health conditions, such as diabetes, that impact the immune system
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
• Sexual activity, which can move bacteria into the urethra
• Vesicoureteral reflux, where urine flows backward into the ureters

Some people develop UTIs more frequently — what’s known as “recurrent urinary tract infections.”

“Many people believe that poor hygiene causes UTIs,” says Peyton Erb, a board-certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “But in reality, hygiene usually has little to do with it. There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing a UTI or of having recurrent infections.”

An Ounce of UTI Prevention

While there’s no way to fully prevent urinary tract infections, you can take steps to lower your risk. If you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs, these tips may be particularly helpful:

• Drink up. Staying hydrated is important when it comes to preventing UTIs. Fluids help flush bacteria in the urinary tract out of the body.
• Empty your bladder after having sex. Sexual activity can enable bacteria to enter the urinary tract, so pausing to urinate after sex can help flush bacteria back out.
• Go when you need to go. While it can be tempting to hold your urine when you’re busy, it’s not a good habit. Make sure you’re taking regular bathroom breaks to fully empty your bladder.
• Reconsider the type of birth control you’re using. Some types of birth control, including diaphragms and spermicide, can increase the risk of UTIs. Talk with your OBGYN about other options for preventing pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to rethink using scented products or douches in the genital area.
• Talk with your provider about preventive meds. In some cases, antibiotics may be recommended as a preventive strategy, either in a daily dose or in a dose taken after sexual activity. For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogen therapy may also help prevent UTIs.

“If you frequently experience UTIs, don’t think you just have to suffer through them,” Erb says. “By talking with your medical provider, you can come up with a plan that will help you reduce the risk of future infections.”

Dealing with the discomfort of chronic UTIs? Find a PCP or women’s health provider who can help.