Causes Of A Urinary Tract Infection

Incomplete Bladder Voiding

Incomplete bladder voiding is a frustrating experience as the patient will have frequent urges to urinate, though they are often not productive. The retention of liquid in the bladder also creates a climate hospitable for bacteria growth. There are many reasons an individual may be faced with incomplete bladder voiding. For men, it is often a physical blockage. A kidney stone or bladder stone may prevent the ability to fully empty the bladder. An enlarged prostate can make it difficult to push urine through the urethra. For women, the physical pressure of a growing fetus on the bladder can make full urination difficult during pregnancy. Reduced levels of estrogen after menopause can weaken the urinary tract, which can lead to incomplete voiding.

Bowel Incontinence

Bowel incontinence is a common cause of urinary tract infections, especially in patients who are unable to care for themselves. Due to the differences in anatomy, women are more likely to have a UTI for this reason. However, if incontinence is not addressed quickly, it can be a serious issue for men as well. There are a host of bacteria that live happily in the digestive tract without issue. If a patient is sitting in feces for any length of time, bacteria can make their way to the urethra, and a urinary tract infection may follow. For this reason, caregivers at homes, hospitals, and nursing facilities must check their patients frequently and make sure they are clean and comfortable.