Cause of a Urinary Infection

by Eric Smith

Overview

Urinary infections usually occur in the lower urinary tract that includes the urethra and the bladder. Patients have frequent urges to urinate and burning or discomfort during urination. Women have a greater risk of contracting a urinary infection.
Bladder Infection

Bladder infections, or cystitis, are caused by E. coli bacteria that spread from the gastrointestinal tract to the bladder.

Urethra Infection

Infections of the urethra, or urethritis, may be caused by gastrointestinal bacteria or sexually transmitted diseases.
Catheter Use

The use of bladder catheters or tubes can introduce bacteria into the bladder that may develop into a urinary infection.
Sexual Activity

Sexual activity may irritate a woman's urethra and allow infections to develop there and spread to the bladder.
Birth Control

The use of diaphragms and spermicidal agents can increase a woman's risk of getting an infection of the urinary tract.
Kidney Stones

Kidney stones and other obstructions of the urinary tract can increase the likelihood of a urinary tract infection.