Although anyone can be infected, people who are vulnerable due to other health conditions are at higher risk of getting a UTI. Examples of such groups are the elderly, and those with diabetes mellitus, or with an indwelling catheter, residents and patients.
The main reason women are more susceptible to UTIs has to do with the female anatomy. The urethra, is shorter than in a man, and it is also close to the anus from where bacteria can invade the urinary tract. In women, oestrogen hormone levels also decline with age. This can cause the walls of the urinary tract to become thinner and dryer. The protective mucous membrane, or mucosa, also becomes less acidic which reduces its ability to fight off infection. This is why oestrogen hormone treatment is recommended to prevent UTIs.
Not being able to empty the bladder properly is another example of what can increase the risk of UTI, since bacteria can grow in the remaining urine. Residual urine can be caused by many things, such as constipation, outflow obstruction from an enlarged prostate or a prolapse, spinal cord injury or nerve damage, which interferes with the normal function of the urinary tract.
Prevention through proper hygiene, skin care and toileting routines, is naturally of great importance for all of them.