Risk factors for UTIs

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Risk factors for UTIs

You can take steps to reduce your chances of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Knowing how to control some of your risk factors may help you prevent a UTI.

Risk factors that you can control include:

Hygiene. After using the bathroom, women should always wipe themselves from front to back. The most common cause of a UTI is growth of bacteria in the urinary tract, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the area around the rectum.
Not drinking enough fluids. Drinking more fluids causes a person to urinate more frequently, reducing the levels of bacteria in the urinary tract and bladder.
Sexual activity. Urination after sexual intercourse decreases the risk of urinary tract infections in women.
Use of a contraceptive diaphragm, which may cause increased risk of UTIs.
Use of a spermicide. Studies have shown that a woman may be 3 times more likely to get a UTI if her sex partner uses a condom coated with a spermicide.
Use of feminine hygiene sprays or frequent douching.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Last Updated	May 17, 2007

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Last updated:	May 17, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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