When we talk about the causes, incidence and risk factors of the urine infection condition, cystitis, the first thing one needs to know is that its main cause is a bacterium from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder. The result of all this is that the lower urinary tract gets an inflammation and infection, which is not a good thing at all!

Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections than men because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus.

There are several risk factors that increase the chances of getting the urinary tract infections. Like pregnancy, menopause and kidney stones factors with the highest incidence. Sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners or use a diaphragm for birth control is also very dangerous. Other risk factors worth mentioning are the prostate inflammation or enlargement, a narrowed urethra, bowel incontinence and catheterization. In order to avoid the urinary tract infection, people must drink many fluids. Another category of potential patients are the people affected from immobility, for example, during recovery from a hip fracture.

Children can get the urinary tract infection too. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. Urinary tract infections are more likely to appear among uncircumcised boys. When speaking about the young girls, urinary tract infections are most common around the age of three years, as this is the period of time when they are getting used to using the toilet. The abnormalities in the urinary tract can promote cystitis in children. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under age five, deserve special care in order to prevent later kidney damage.

There are many things to look for when you suspect having a urinary tract infection. Any pressure in the lower pelvis can be a major symptom. The pain or burning with urination must by all means be examinated by doctors. People who have a urinary tract infection will experience a frequent or urgent need to urinate, even at night! Pay attention to any blood in your urine and for foul or strong urine odor! These are all symptoms of a urinary tract infection.