The Urinary Tract Infection or UTI occurs in a part of the urinary system, such as the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Typically the infections involve the urethra and the bladder. Women are more susceptible to developing UTI compared to men. Infections in the bladder can be painful and cause discomfort. So, what causes it, and what are the potential risk factors? Let us find out. 

1. Holding back your pee
Many people have a constant habit of holding their pee or not emptying their bladder, or not going to the bathroom when they have to. This can result in the accumulation of harmful bacteria in the bladder and cause UTI.  

2. Kidney stones
Kidney stones tend to obstruct the urinary tract and curtail regular urine flow. 

3. Diabetes
Diabetes causes high sugar levels in the urine and blood. This can result in the growth of the bacteria, which triggers  UTI.

4. Use of urinary catheter
Catheters are flexible tubes, which drain urine from the bladder into the bag. These tubes are professionally inserted by the doctors. It is usually done after certain surgeries. Sometimes these catheters can cause infections after some time. 

5. Gender
Females have a shorter urethra compared to men. Consequently, the distance for the bacteria to travel the bladder is reduced. Hence, susceptibility to developing UTI is high.

6. Pregnancy
While a woman is pregnant, there are some pregnancy-related changes in the urinary tract. This, too, might put you at the risk of contracting a UTI. 

7. Menopause
Women who undergo menopause also have a higher risk of developing a UTI. Again, this is because of the hormonal changes. Consequently, it affects the body from combatting the harmful microorganisms in the tract.

8. Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is primarily age-related, and this, too, can intervene with personal hygiene and put you at the risk of UTI. 

9. Health conditions
People with nerve damage or spinal cord injuries might also result in UTI. Further, people with bowel incontinence and vesicoureteral reflux are also at a greater risk of developing UTI. 

10. Genetics
Some studies suggest that in people, even genetics might become the cause of a UTI infection. 

11. Sexual activity
Sexually active women have a greater risk of developing UTI than women who are not active. More so, women who engage in coitus with a new partner also have a higher risk. 

12. Birth control
Using some kinds of contraceptive methods, such as spermicide or diaphragms, also trigger UTI complications. 

13. Age
The risk of developing UTI aggravates as you grow older. 

14. Personal hygiene
There are some habits related to personal hygiene, which aggravate your risk of  UTI . These include:

• Using feminine hygiene sprays or powders
• An extended period of immobility following an illness or injury
• Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement or after urinating