What are risk factors for kidney and urinary tract infection?
There are many factors that may increase the chances for infection of kidney and urinary tract. Sexual intercourse (in women) may increase the risk of urinary tract infection because of possible introduction of the bacteria around the urethra into the urinary system (a condition sometimes referred to as “honeymoon cystitis”). Pregnancy may also increase the incidence of UTI and kidney infection in women, in fact, 2% to 8% of pregnant women may have urinary infections during their pregnancy. This may occur because of slower transit of urine in the ureters during pregnancy from the pressure applied by the uterus. Urinary catheters (Foley catheters) also increase the risk of developing urinary and kidney infections. These catheters are used in settings where an individual may not be able to urinate due to paralysis, severe illness, bed bound state, incontinence of urine (inability to hold their urine), or bladder dysfunction. Urinary catheters simply provide a physical vehicle for the bac
