Many medical conditions can be awful to deal with, and UTIs are ones that many people worry about due to the reports of how painful they can be. Fortunately, this condition isn’t permanent, but it’s still something you’ll likely want to try to avoid at all costs. That’s why we’re here today to review some of the main causes of UTIs in the average person. That way, you can take the steps necessary to avoid them.
Kidney Stones
One urinary problem that can be much more painful than a UTI is kidney stones. Even though having a kidney stone won’t always lead to you developing a UTI, it can occur if the stone gets lodged in your urinary tract.
This will cause urine to get trapped, leading to the formation of harmful bacteria that’ll become the starting point of a UTI. If you ever have a kidney stone, you’ll want to make sure you see it pass to avoid this issue.
Urinary Incontinence
Of course, urine and bacteria can get trapped through means other than kidney stones. Urinary incontinence is a medical condition that can often cause UTIs in those who don’t take proper precautions. If you have trouble fully emptying your bladder, a UTI is a very likely problem to occur.
If you use catheters to deal with your incontinence, the chance of a UTI will increase. There’s a lot you should know about catheter UTIs if you decide to use them. Still, it’s essential to realize that proper care can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting one.
Pregnancy
Something that women need to be aware of is that being pregnant can also make a UTI more probable. While not overly common, the pressure your unborn child will put on your bladder can cause difficulties when trying to empty it, leading to a buildup of harmful bacteria. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently, though, so there’s no guarantee yours will happen like this, but it’s still something you should keep in mind.
Sexual Intercourse
One of the more common things that can cause a person to develop a UTI is sexual intercourse. This is because harmful bacteria can get into your urethra during this activity. If you don’t flush the bacteria out, a UTI is likely. It’s important to note that using a condom or diaphragm coated in spermicide can make a UTI more likely due to its chemicals.
Previous UTIs
Finally, one of the more common causes of a UTI is having one previously. Those who have had them in the past are more prone to getting them again. Sometimes, the reason for this is that person made no changes in their hygiene habits. However, most of the time, this occurs because the harmful bacteria never left your system. If not treated correctly, your UTI might still be there; you just don’t notice any symptoms anymore until it gets worse again. That’s why you should always go to your doctor if you think you’re experiencing a UTI.
