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.
Things that can raise the risk are:
Age and Gender
This problem more common in women. This is because bacteria sometimes enters the urinary system after passing stool and not wiping from front to back. The risk of getting an infection goes up even more after menopause in women and after age 50 in men.
Genetics
UTIs are more common in people who have others in their family who have had them. The link is strongest among first relatives.
Sexual Activity
Sex raises the risk of a UTI. A person's chances of getting an infection are even higher if they have had a new partner within the past year. Using spermicide can also raise the risk in women.
Health Problems
The risk of a UTI is higher in people with:
- Structural problems or prior surgery of the urinary system
- A urinary catheter
- Vesicoureteral reflux—urine that flows backwards from the bladder
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
- Kidney stones
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Prior kidney transplant
- Sickle cell disease
- Problems with the nervous system that make it hard to fully drain the bladder
- Pregnancy
Medications
Taking certain medicines can raise the risk of getting an infection, such as:
- Antibiotics
- SGLT2 inhibitors
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. Accessed March 30, 2022.
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. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infection-uti-pyelonephritis-and-cystitis. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults. Accessed March 30, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/31/2022