2026
Urinary tract infections
Category (s):
Women's health
Welcome
Urinary tract infections are considered a common condition in women, unlike in men. Between 50 and 60% of women will have a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime. It is an illness caused by microbes, usually bacteria, that affect the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection is not contagious.
The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) is responsible for the vast majority of urinary tract infections in women, along with group B streptococcus in a smaller proportion of cases. These bacteria live naturally in everyone's intestines.
When the infection is in the lower part of the urinary system, the bladder, this inflammation is called cystitis.
If the infection reaches the kidneys instead, we speak of pyelonephritis.
Several factors can make a woman more likely to develop one or more urinary tract infections.
To begin with, the simple fact of being a woman automatically puts you at greater risk of a urinary tract infection, because of the anatomical structures that make up the urinary system.
A woman's urinary meatus, the entrance to the urethra, is closer to the anal opening than in men. What's more, the urethra (the canal that runs from the urinary meatus to the bladder) is shorter than in the opposite sex, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the opening of the urinary system (the meatus), get in through the urethra, then move up to the bladder, settle there and cause the infection. They can also keep travelling up to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
1- Poor urinary habits:
2- Hormonal changes:
3- Using irritating hygiene products:
4- Health conditions that make infections more likely
To prevent a urinary tract infection, certain steps can reduce the risk factors and help the genitourinary system defend itself better:
Many women notice no particular symptoms, even when they have a urinary tract infection.
When symptoms do appear, they can come on suddenly or gradually, on their own or in clusters.
If the infection has reached the kidneys, a few more symptoms can appear:
If a urinary tract infection is not detected and treated in time, it can move up to the upper part of the urinary system, the kidneys.
The prenato.ca website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant and new parents, as well as for women throughout the various stages of their lives. This information is not intended to replace the skills, knowledge, or experience of qualified healthcare professionals who are familiar with the specific facts, circumstances, and symptoms of each individual. Consequently, Prenato and its staff cannot be held liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided on this site. It is the user's responsibility to consult a physician or a qualified healthcare professional appropriate to their specific needs for any personal health concerns.
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