Urinary Tract Infection - Symptoms

Highlights	Complications	Medications
Introduction	Symptoms	Lifestyle Changes
Causes	Diagnosis	Resources
Risk Factors	Treatment	References

Risk Factors

After the flu and common cold, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common medical complaint among women in their reproductive years. UTIs are far more common among women than among men. Most women will develop a UTI at some time in their lives, and many will have recurrences.

Specific Risk Factors in Women

Structure of the Female Urinary Tract. In general, the higher risk in women is mostly due to the shortness of the female urethra, which is 1.5 inches compared to 8 inches in men. Bacteria from fecal matter at the anal opening can be easily transferred to the opening of the urethra.

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The female and male urinary tracts are similar except for the length of the urethra.

Sexual Behavior. Frequent or recent sexual activity is the most important risk factor for urinary tract infection in young women. Nearly 80% of all urinary tract infections in premenopausal women occur within 24 hours of intercourse. UTIs are very rare in celibate women. However, UTIs are NOT sexually transmitted infections.

In general, it is the physical act of intercourse itself that produces conditions that increase susceptibility to the UTI bacteria, with some factors increasing the risk. For example, women having sex for the first time or who have intense and frequent sex after a period of abstinence are at risk for a condition called "honeymoon cystitis".

Click the icon to see an image of a diaphragm.

Certain types of contraceptives can also increase the risk of UTIs. In particular, women who use diaphragms tend to develop UTIs. The spring-rim of the diaphragm can bruise the area near the bladder, making it susceptible to bacteria. Spermicidal foam or gel used with diaphragms, and spermicidal-coated condoms, also increase susceptibility to UTIs. Most spermicides contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical that is associated with increased UTI risk.

Pregnancy. Although pregnancy does not increase the rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria, it does increase the risk that it will progress to a full-blown kidney infection, which can cause early labor and other serious pregnancy complications. (However in early pregnancy, frequent urination -- a common symptom of UTI -- is most likely due to pressure on the bladder.) For this reason, pregnant women should be screened and treated for asymptomatic bacteriuria.