Most urinary tract infections start in your lower urinary tract. Bacteria normally live in the skin near your anus or in your vagina, and sometimes they spread to your urethra. These bacteria may also move up to your urethra into your bladder causing a bladder infection called cystitis. You may also get an infection of your urethra called urethritis at the same time.
A woman’s anatomy makes you more prone to urinary tract infections than men. Your urethra is shorter and closer to your anus than a man’s, which means bacteria can reach it more easily.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
You can also develop UTIs if your bladder doesn’t empty completely, which can be caused by: