Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an extremely common condition that occurs in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria originating in the bowels. Friction during intercourse sometimes transfers the bacteria from the vulva (external female genitals) into the urethra (passage to the bladder). The urethra is shorter in women than in men, which makes women more susceptible to UTIs.
Urinary incontinence is the chronic leaking of urine. This condition may also involve painful or frequent urination, bedwetting, or the need to urinate frequently throughout the night. Incontinence may be caused by infection, a urinary tract abnormality, estrogen loss after menopause, sagging pelvic muscles, or a neuromuscular disorder.
| The Female Urinary Tract: Common Site of Infection A relatively short urethra conspires to increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. In fact, between the ages of 20 and 50, women suffer 50 times as many UTIs as men. Bacteria traveling up the urethra may attack the bladder or even the kidneys themselves. Infections confined to the bladder are known as cystitis. If bacteria reach the kidneys, a condition called acute bacterial pyelonephritis can result. |
