Why do women get frequent urinary tract infections?

Women are more apt to get urinary tract infections because their urethra is much shorter than the male urethra. The way that an infection gets into the bladder is it ascends through the urethra (which is directly above the vagina) and into the bladder. It is rare that infections start in the kidneys and travel down the ureters to the bladder. Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that is in stool. To decrease your likelihood of a urinary tract infection, wipe from front to back. In addition, you should completely empty your bladder after intercourse.

Sexual activity is associated with recurrent urinary tract infection in young women. Those who have bacteria that colonize the vagina are more likely to have infections. Women who use a diaphragm and/or condoms coated with spermicide are also at increased risk. Those with a family history of UTI or who have their first infection before the age of 15 are more likely to suffer from recurrent infections.

Post-menopausal women with bladder emptying problems are also at increased risk. As we age the tissues of the urinary tract thin which also can increase the chance for infection.