recurrence
Half of all women experience a UTI, and 1 in 10 have three or more a year
Certain risk factors have been identified on the basis of age, sexual activity and medical history:
patient profiles
menopause
Reduced estrogen changes the urinary tract and makes it more vulnerable
sex
Bacteria can enter the urethra during intercourse
contraception
Diaphragms and some spermidical agents may increase the risk
pediatrics
Recurrent UTIs are associated with pyelonephritis, veriscoureteral reflux and asymptomatic bacteriuria
blockages
Kidney stones (or an enlarged prostate) or any other urinary tract blockage can prevent the bladder from flushing out harmful bacteria
medical conditions
Diabetes and other conditions that may slow or stop the body from fighting infection increases risk
catheter use/SCI
Using catheters to urinate – for instance, when hospitalized, paralyzed or dealing with neurological problems – may lead to UTIs