Urine is normally sterile (does not contain bacteria), although in older people it is common to have bacteria in the urine (known as bacteriuria). This is because the flow of their urine is weaker and they are less likely to empty their bladder fully.
It does not mean their urine is infected. But it does mean they are more prone to urine infection.
UTIs often do not have a cause
Women of child-bearing age are susceptible to UTIs; and will often have at least one a year. There is no underlying ’cause’.
It is is not clear why. It may be because the urethral opening is close to the vagina and anus.
Sexual intercourse (and, to a lesser extent, other sexual activity) can also lead to UTIs in some people, though the risk is much greater for women.
In older people, especially those with dementia, it may be harder to maintain personal hygiene (for example, washing regularly, changing clothes). This may increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Abnormalities of the structure of the urinary tract can cause UTIs. These include kidney stones, an enlarged prostate in men or a vaginal prolapse in women.
Individuals with a weak immune system, for example people with diabetes or those being treated for cancer with chemotherapy, are at greater risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
Urinary catheters are a common cause of UTIs and must be avoided whenever possible. Urinary tract infections are the most common hospital-acquired infection in the UK. They account for a quarter of all hospital-acquired infections, and the majority of these are associated with catheters.
Therefore, catheters should only be used for incontinence when all other options have been explored.
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