Page 115 - Urological Health

Causes related to the antibiotic
• Congenital anomalies, when you start developing a UTI in childhood (e.g., vesico-ureteral
reflux –see the chapter on UTIs in children)
• Stones in the urinary tract: the stone will be a focus that causes recurrence of the infection
even after treatment with antibiotics. To treat this, the stones should be removed.
• Fistulae (abnormal connection) between the urinary tract and the digestive system
(colon) can happen in cancer cases or diverticular disease (where you have a hollow-part
in your colon full of fluid). Fistula results in infection caused by colonic bacteria.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia, (BPH) which blocks the bladder and impairs complete
emptying, means that the urine collects in the bladder, which is a good place for bacteria
to grow.
• Urethral stricture (when your urethra becomes too narrow) blocks the flow of urine out of
the bladder and causes the urine to collect in the bladder and create bacteria.

Causes related to functional abnormalities

Medical problems

• Diabetes may affect both the bladder’s sensation and ability to empty.
UNDER REVIEW
• Neurological problems involving the brain or spinal cord, such as a stroke, Parkinson’s
disease or multiple sclerosis, may affect the ability to completely empty the bladder.
These disorders may also cause uncontrolled bladder contractions causing urine leakage.
The persistence of urine in the genital area provides a place for bacteria to grow.

Fecal incontinence
• Fecal incontinence increases the bacterial burden in the genital area.

If you have recurrent UTIs, you’ll need more tests (beyond urine analysis and culture) to diagnose the
reason of your condition.

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