Why are women more likey to develop UTIs than men?
1 Answer
It is because of the anatomical difference between male and female urethral passages and corresponding location of their urethral openings.
Explanation:
- Most common bacterial organism which causes urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli, a gram negative bacteria and permanent resident of large intestine.
- In females, second most common urinary tract infection is caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which is normally present in the skin of perineum, an area between pubic symphysis and tail bone.
So, infective organisms are naturally present in/on our body and these can enter and colonise urinary tract, bladder, as well as ureter.
Male urethra is longer while female urethra is very short. Male urethra travels along the length of penis and opens at its tip. Compared to this, urethral opening of female is located ventral to anal opening, in perineal area.
Due to close proximity of anus to vulva in females, infective organisms from perineum and anus can easily enter through urethra in urinary tract. Chances of contracting urinary tract infection in females are nearly eight times higher compared to its occurrence in males.
