Why they occur

• There are numerous reasons why these infections occur but the most common is human anatomy: the female urinary tract is short, the space between the anus and the urethra is shorter than it is for a male and therefore the distance gut bacteria have to travel to enter the bladder is shorter. 
• Sex could lead to UTIs due to bacteria from the genital area entering the urinary tract.
• It’s sometimes found to be a predisposition caused by genetics where females in certain families are more prone to UTIs.
• Dehydration and limited water intake results in poor flushing of urine from the bladder causing bacterial build up.
• Material of underwear makes a difference where nylon, spandex and lycra materials reduce the breathability in the area.
• Hygiene is an important factor where wiping from back to front has caused E.Coli (bacteria) to enter from the gut/anus to the urethra.
• Pregnancy often causes UTIs as the growing foetus puts pressure on the bladder and urethra causing urine to leak. During pregnancy, a woman’s urethra expands resulting in increased bladder volume but reduced muscle tone causing urine to become more “still” and allowing bacterial growth.