The most common bacteria that cause urinary tract infections is Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This bacteria often lives in the colon but can occasionally spread to the urethra and other parts of the urinary tract. Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis are other types of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. UTIs can be brought on by multiple causes in addition to bacterial infections, such as: ● Sexual activity - Sexual activity raises the risk of UTIs as it introduces bacteria into the urinary system. It’s advised to urinate after having sex to prevent UTIs. ● Poor hygiene - Poor hygiene increases the risk of infections, including urinary tract infections. A tip to prevent UTIs is to wipe from front to back after using the lavatory. ● Urinary tract abnormalities - Urinary tract abnormalities, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate gland, can cause urine to back up and raise the risk of UTIs. ● Menopause - As hormone levels change, the urinary tract may also change, which raises the risk of UTIs.