Causes Of A Urinary Tract Infection

Medications Like Birth Control

Birth control is a common trigger of urinary tract infections, although not all contraceptives cause UTIs. Diaphragms, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and medications like birth control may make you more prone to a urinary tract infection. An IUD can increase the risk of a UTI for several reasons. One study found twenty-five percent of IUD users had trigone congestion. The bladder trigone is a region of the bladder that is responsive to the expansion of the bladder as it fills and triggers the brain to know you need to urine. Congestion refers to dilation of the vessels supplying blood to this region. IUDs can also form bacterial biofilms in some cases that may trigger an infection. Oral contraceptives have also been linked to an increased risk of a urinary tract infection, so if individuals have recurring urinary tract infections, switching to a different form of birth control may be recommended.

Bladder Infections

The urinary system has four major parts. The kidneys act as the body’s filter, removing waste products from the blood. The ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder stores urine for disposal. The urethra is the final passage for moving liquid waste from inside to outside the body. When bacteria, especially E. coli, find their way into any of these areas, a urinary tract infection can be the result. This is especially a problem for women as anatomically they have a shorter, interior urethra making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder from the outside. Bacteria are often transferred through diaphragm use, tampon use, unhygienic wiping, and sexual intercourse.