We already know that women are more prone to develop urinary infections due to their anatomy. The following are some other factors that may increase the risk for a urinary infection:

Abnormality of the urinary tract

Any abnormality in the urinary tract can increase the risk for urinary infections. Abnormalities that originate from birth defects are usually treated surgically.

Tumors, stones and… babies!

Any factor within (or around) the urinary system that impedes the flow of urine can become a secondary cause for a urinary infection. This could include a kidney stone, an enlarged prostate gland, a tumor or even an embryo that develops within a woman’s womb.

Catheter

Hospital patients who are being treated with catheter are also more prone to urinary infections because of the greater exposure to bacteria coming from the outside directly into their bladder through the catheter.

Menopause

Women in Menopause (and old people in general) tend to suffer more from urinary infections due to loss of estrogen and changes that take effect within their bladder tissues.

Treatments that weaken the immune system

Examples for such treatments are chemotherapy for cancer and chronic cortisone therapy.

Illnesses that weaken the immune system

Diabetes, spinal chord injury or multiple sclerosis are just a few examples of a chronic condition that weakens the immune system and thus creating an environment where urinary infections are not a rare phenomenon. 

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