Things That Trigger Urethritis
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – including urethritis – are caused by harmful microorganisms that enter the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, although fungi and viruses can also contribute to them.
Bacteria are typically eliminated by the body before causing symptoms. However, there are several risk factors, ranging from sexual activity to underlying health problems, that can increase the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection.
- Bacterial infections – The urinary tract infection can occur anywhere in the upper as well as lower urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). UTIs generally affect the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra. Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli (E.Coli), and Klebsiella pneumoniae are some of the bacteria most commonly associated with causing urethritis.
- Holding Your Pee – A buildup of bad bacteria in your bladder can result from not going to the bathroom when you need to or not emptying your bladder completely when you do.
- Kidney Stones – It is possible for kidney stones to block your urine flow and obstruct your urinary tract.
- Diabetes – Sugar levels in the blood and urine can be higher in people with diabetes. This can lead to excessive bacterial growth in the urine.
- Recent Use of a Bladder or Urinary Catheter – Rather than having to pee on your own, these tubes drain urine from your bladder into a bag. They are commonly used after certain surgeries.
Health Conditions
UTI risk may also be increased by several chronic health problems. Diabetes, for example, can weaken your body’s ability to fight off bacteria due to an impaired immune response. Alzheimer’s disease, for example, may also increase UTI risk due to its ability to interfere with personal hygiene. Additionally, the following people may be more likely to get urinary tract infections;
- Those with nerve damage around the bladder and spinal cord injuries, which can prevent complete emptying of the bladder
- Individuals with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) or other abnormalities of the urinary tract
- Anyone with kidney stones, enlarged prostates, or any other issue that blocks the normal flow of urine and encourages bacterial growth
- Patients with bowel incontinence
- People with a history of recent use of a urinary catheter
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene habits are also considered risk factors for UTIs. They include:
- Use of feminine hygiene sprays and powders
- After urinating or having a bowel movement, women should wipe from back to front.
- Holding urine for an abnormally long time (i.e., holding it in)
- Immobilization for extended periods of time (such as during a recovery process from an injury or illness)
Genetics
Genetics may contribute to urinary tract infections, according to some emerging research. According to a report published in the journal Nature Reviews: Urology, genetic variation in immune response might either influence the severity of UTIs or protect against them. Research is needed, however, before the possible genetic causes of UTIs can be fully understood.
Things That Trigger Urethritis In Females
Anatomy
Women have a higher risk of urethritis due to certain anatomical factors. Females have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach and infect the bladder. Moreover, woman’s urethra opening is significantly closer to the rectum, where UTI-causing bacteria reside.
Being Sexually Active
UTIs are caused by bacteria that live around your anus. When you have sex, bacteria move towards your front, where they can enter your urethra and travel to your bladder.
Spermicides or Diaphragms
Birth control pills can make it easier for harmful bacteria to enter the urinary tract. In and around the vagina, spermicides might kill good bacteria, allowing harmful ones to flourish.
Pregnancy
UTIs are also more common during pregnancy (especially from week six through week 24) due to changes in the urinary tract caused by pregnancy. As the uterus grows and becomes heavier, it may prevent the complete drainage of urine from the bladder, making pregnant women more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Additionally, pregnancy hormones can alter the chemical makeup of your urine, encouraging bad bacteria growth.
Menopause
A significantly higher risk of urinary tract infections may also be associated with women who have undergone menopause. This is possibly because hormonal changes may affect beneficial bacteria that fight harmful microbes in the urinary tract. A drop in female sexual hormones (especially estrogen levels) during menopause can increase the risk of developing a UTI due to increased vaginal dryness.
Wearing Tiny Lingerie
A thong, teddy bear, or string bikini underwear can trap bacteria in the vaginal area since there is little space between your urethra, vagina, and rectum.
Things That Trigger Urethritis In Males
- An enlarged prostate, medically known as BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia, can make it difficult to empty the bladder. Prostate enlargement weakens the bladder muscles and can also block the urine flow out of the bladder.
- Men over 60 are more susceptible to get urethritis and other forms of UTIs.
- Nonprotected anal sex can carry bacteria that cause UTIs and urethritis.