Diabetes People with diabetes have a higher risk of UTI because of changes in the immune system. Any abnormality of the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine sets the stage for infection. Abnormalities can include kidney stones, an enlarged prostate gland, or a drooping bladder, among others. Sometimes babies are born with structural abnormalities, such as narrow ureters or posterior urethral valves. Urinary tract abnormalities can be detected with ultrasound or X-ray.
Treatment depends on the problem, but many abnormalities can be corrected by surgery.
According to several studies, women who use a diaphragm are more likely to develop a UTI than women who use other forms of birth control. Recently, researchers found that women whose partners use a condom with spermicidal foam also tend to have growth of E. coli bacteria in the vagina. If you become dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated. Highly concentrated urine is more likely to irritate the urinary tract and make it more susceptible to infection. If you drink a lot of water, not only will your urine be more diluted, but you will also urinate more frequently.