What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? 8 Things That May Make a UTI More Likely

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria get into the urinary system. This includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. UTIs develop when troublesome bacteria, like E. coli, enter and rapidly multiply inside the urinary tract. 

There are several risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing a UTI. Let’s take a closer look at the eight most common causes of a UTI. 

1. Sexual activity

During sexual intercourse, bacteria from the genital and anal areas may be transferred to the urethra. This can lead to an increased risk of UTI. This is much more common in people assigned female at birth.

Women experience UTIs more frequently than men, primarily due to their shorter urethras. This provides easier access for bacteria to enter the bladder.

2. Pregnancy

In pregnancy, hormonal shifts can relax your urinary tract muscles. This can cause urine to accumulate in your bladder for longer periods of time and increase the risk for UTI. Additionally, pregnant women can have immune system changes that lower the body’s ability to fight off infections.

3. Birth control

Certain birth control methods can increase your risk for UTI. Diaphragms and spermicides may alter the balance of bacteria in the genital area. This can make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. 

If you develop a UTI while using a diaphragm, it may not be the right size. Talk with a healthcare professional about your birth control options if you’re having UTIs while using diaphragms or spermicide.

4. Menopause

Estrogen plays an important role in keeping the urinary tract healthy. It helps to support the growth of helpful bacteria, which keeps harmful bacteria at bay. But a drop in estrogen levels during menopause can allow infectious bacteria to thrive. This can increase your risk of UTIs during menopause.

5. Urinary tract anatomy

Structural issues in the urinary system can cause UTIs. Anatomic irregularities, present at birth or that develop later in life, can prevent the bladder from emptying properly. Or they can block the regular flow of urine. This can create a favorable environment for bacteria to flourish — and cause you to be at risk for UTIs.

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6. Catheter use

The use of catheters, like indwelling urinary catheters, are a common cause of UTIs. Urinary catheters involve the insertion of a flexible tube into the bladder through the urethra. This process can introduce bacteria from the surrounding environment or the genital area into the urinary tract. 

7. Health conditions

Certain medical conditions can make you more prone to developing a UTI, such as:

• Kidney stones: Kidney stones can block the urinary tract, making bacterial growth more likely.

• A weakened immune system: Conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer can weaken the body’s natural defense against infections.

• Neurological disorders: Conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can increase your risk of UTIs.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, preventing the bladder from emptying completely. This condition increases bacterial growth in the urinary tract and the risk of UTIs.

8. Medications

Some medications can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection. You may be more likely to get a UTI if you’re taking the following medications:

• SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin (Jardiance) or dapagliflozin (Farxiga). These medications are used to treat Type 2 diabetes by removing sugar from the body in the urine. However, higher levels of sugar in the urine can make it easier for bacteria to grow and cause infection. 

• Medications like prednisone or cyclosporine that weaken the immune system can also increase your risk of UTI. 

• Some medications increase the chances of getting a UTI because they make it more difficult for urine to leave the bladder. Anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin and benztropine can cause urinary retention and a higher risk of UTI. 

• Opioid medications, such as oxycodone and morphine, can cause a lot of side effects — including urinary retention, which can lead to UTI. 

Can you prevent UTIs?

Good hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices are important in reducing the risk of UTIs. Here are some strategies to lower the likelihood of developing UTIs:

• Wipe front to back. This can help prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.

• Keep hydrated. Not drinking enough water and fluids can lead to concentrated urine. This may potentially irritate the bladder.

• Don’t hold it. Holding your urine for extended periods of time can provide a breeding ground for bacteria in the urinary tract.

• Avoid certain hygiene products. Douches or powders can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the genital area and increase your UTI risk.

• Pee after sex. Urinating both before and after sexual intercourse can help flush out any bacteria.

• Consider your options. Women in menopause can reach out to a healthcare professional and talk about vaginal estrogens and other treatment options. 

• Optimize your health. Managing any underlying medical conditions that increase your risk for a UTI can help to prevent them.

When do you need to see a doctor for UTI treatment?

If you’re having UTI symptoms, be sure to contact a healthcare professional for treatment. Treating a UTI involves antibiotics to clear the infection. And it’s important to take all of the antibiotics that a healthcare professional prescribes to make sure the bacteria are completely eliminated.

Remember, alternative remedies like cranberry supplements, probiotics, herbals, and acupuncture aren’t a substitute for treatment — especially if you have a confirmed UTI.

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Written by:

Bernadette Anderson, MD, MPH

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Bernadette earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She completed a master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Ohio.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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